**NOTICE DUE TO THE SNOWSTORM: Brian's gathering has changed to Friday, February 4, 2021 from 3pm to 7pm. Thank you!**

Brian Scott Bender, 58, of Elkhart, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.

Brian was born on December 9, 1963 in Fremont, MI to the late Thomas and Anna (Young) Bender. He married Sandra "Sandi" (Browning) Bender in Elkhart on August 5, 2017.

Brian is preceded in death by his parents.

Brian is survived by his wife, Sandi of Goshen; children, Ryan (Bernadette) Roberts, Donald (Megan) Starcher, Adam (Rita) Starcher, Kimberly Starcher (Mike), Athena (Amilio) Gonzalez and Amy (Mike) Butler; stepmother, Barb Skuse; 13 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Brian worked within maintenance and electrical departments within the local manufacturing industries. Most recently, he worked at Thor Motor Coach. Brian also was employed at Kik Custom Products. He was the guy people called when they needed to fix something. His knowledge of anything mechanicals was known by anyone whom knew Brian.

Brian was a motorcycle enthusiast.

Brian enjoyed travelling on vacation with his family. Happily Brian finished everything on his "Bucket List" including skydiving, ziplining and the highlight, riding the "Tail of the Dragon" in North Carolina.

Brian was a humble, hardworking and dependable guy who was full of life. His family and friends meant the world to him.

A gathering of family and friends for Brian will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart . Per Brian's family's wishes, he was cremated.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.