Oct. 1, 1955 - June 29, 2010

OSCEOLA -- Terry D. Bender, 54, of Osceola, died at 9:03 p.m. Tuesday (June 29, 2010) at Elkhart General Hospital after an extended illness.

He was born Oct. 1, 1955, in Elkhart, to Milo Donald and Lorraine (Dills) Bender.

Surviving are son Jassen Michael Bender of Union, Mich.; one granddaughter; brothers John (Becky Bender and Steven Bertch both of Elkhart; sisters Pamela Bertch-Robinson of Elkhart and Susan (Bob) Bertch-Sowers of Stevensville, Mich.; and mother Marie F. Bender.

Terry was preceded in death by father Milo D. "Mike" Bender and biological mother Lorraine Bender.

Terry was a machinist formerly working at Gemeinhardt RSE (Richard Stutzman Enterprises), Earthway and Elkhart Products. Terry was also a former co-owner of Plinkers Inc., a gun shop in Osceola. He was a member of the NRA and ABATE in Indiana for 26 years and was a proud Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner and rider.

A gathering of friends and family will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Billings Funeral Home. A car procession will then leave for a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at Prairie Street Cemetery. Burial will be in Prairie Street Cemetery .

Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army, 300 N. Main St., Elkhart.