Fred Lee Bender, Sr.

Fred L. Bender, Sr.

Fred Lee Bender, Sr., 77, of Elizabethtown, passed away with family by his side on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 in his home.  He was born Wednesday, January 5, 1938 in Lewistown to the late Foster and Hazel (Hile) Bender.

He is survived by 3 daughters, Lisa O’Connor and husband William of Lawson, MO, Sheri DeArmitt and husband Brian of Elizabethtown, and Lorrie Groff and husband Rodney of Elizabethtown; a son, Fred L. Bender, Jr. and wife Katherine of Elizabethtown; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters; and his canine companion, Cooper.  He was predeceased by 4 siblings, Doris McMonigle, and Thomas, J. Richard, and Dennis Bender.

Fred retired from the Masonic Village after 34 years of service as the assistant swine herdsman.  He enjoyed tending to the birds in his backyard and was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, and taking camping road trips. He was a member of the NRA.  Fred was a NASCAR and football fan cheering on Penn State football.  He enjoyed classic country music, but most importantly he was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 18th at 10:30 AM in John S. Sell Memorial Chapel, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown 17022 with Pastor Timothy Nickel officiating.  Friends and family are invited for viewing from  9:30 AM until time of the service.  A private burial will immediately follow the service in Juniata Memorial Park, Lewistown, PA.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 N. Market St., Elizabethtown 17022.

The family would like to thank Janice, Val, Brenda, Ashley, Gaye, and Bob, their Hospice Angels for all of the care and support they provided to Fred and their family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Masonic Village Hospice, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022.