Obituary of Eugene C. Bender

BENDER - Eugene C., also known as Preacher to the locals, 86, of Nanty Glo, passed away peacefully in his sleep June 29, 2015. Born July 1, 1928 in Nanty Glo, son of the late Henry and Violet (Rager) Bender. Preceded in death by infant twins, sister, Cora and brother, Henry; sisters, Aletta Prowzeak, Nazaretta Lesko, and Manuella Seymour. He is survived by sister, Salvina (Vennie) Fore; brothers, Francis Bender and Ardellas (Sonny) Bender; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Over the years, Preacher had worked for family owned businesses in Nanty Glo and also The County Home, Ebensburg. Preacher loved his hometown. In his later years, Preacher loved to walk downtown to go shopping and sit on the bench in front of the fire company socializing with the firemen and the other town elders. You could pick him out of a crowd wearing his starched white shirt and black bowtie. He always took time to pay his respects to those who passed before him, and always had the right words to say to grieving families. Preacher had an amazing memory of Nanty Glo events, names, dates, etc. He could have been Nanty Glo s oldest historian. He loved all the area churches, respected their religion, and loved God. He was a good son, brother, a great uncle to many of us, and a special friend to those who knew him. He will be sadly missed by many. "May you rest in peace Uncle 'Pudgie'. You re finally in heaven with Grandma. (Mother). A Funeral Mass for friends and family to say goodbye will be held on Saturday July 18, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary s Catholic Church, Nanty Glo, the Rev. Leonard Voytek, celebrant. In lieu of memorials, donations in Preacher s memory may be made to the Nanty Glo Fire Company, 870 Chestnut St., Nanty Glo. Arrangements by the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Nanty Glo.