Jr. William E. Bender

William E. Bender Jr. (Bill B.)

Bill was born January 13, 1931, in Lakewood, OH and passed away on March 15, 2022, in Scottsdale, AZ at the age of 91. He graduated from grade school in Lakewood, OH; later moving to Boardman, OH. He graduated from Boardman High in 1948 where he was a member of all the sporting teams and activities. He then enlisted with friends in the U.S. Marine Corps for 3 years and later was extended an additional year due to problems in Korea (1948-1951). He was trained as a high-speed radio operator assigned to Camp Pendleton, CA. He was also a member of the camp baseball and football team.

At the break of the conflict in Korea, Bill was assigned to the First Provisional Marine Brigade which defended the Pusan Perimeter to halt North Korea forces from invading South Korea. The brigade was then assigned to the 5th Marine Regiment as the 3rd Battalion. He stayed assigned to the 3rd Battalion the remaining time in Korea.

Bill is a survivor of the brutal battle of Winter at the Chosin Reservoir against the Chinese forces. He is a proud member of the Chosin Few.

His remaining time in the marines was spent in the barracks in Philadelphia, PA, Camp LeJeune, NC., and in Mediterranean countries training NATO forces.

Sgt. Bender received the Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, Navy Occupational medal, Good Conduct medal, and a Purple Heart for shrapnel injuries to his left leg.

After discharge, he attended Kent State University in Kent, OH while working for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Akron, OH, in finance and inventory control for 5 years.

He and his family then moved to Scottsdale, AZ, where he was employed by Motorola Semiconductor Products Division in financial division and contracts. He retired in 1996 after 36 years.

During his employment with both Goodyear and Motorola, he had been a member of both company’s softball teams which played locally and statewide.

Bill is predeceased in death by his sister Violet (Swenson) and his daughter, Lynn (Martin). He is survived by his ex-wife Lois (Bender), daughter Laura (Posner), sons, Steven and Jeffrey, grand children Melissa (Posner Jarrett), Stephanie (Bartruff), Ryan (Bender), Rachel and Andrew (Martin), and Ashley (Roderick); Great grandchildren Reagan, William and Zechariah (Bartruff), Carson, Odin, Eloise (Roderick) and Elizabeth Anna (Jarrett). He is also survived by his significant other Dottie Deverna, stepdaughter Valerie (DiCerbo) and stepson Hal (Deverna) and their families.

Bill was always interested in sports and played softball and tennis until he was unable to compete. He has always enjoyed time spent with his family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Two weeks later, Interment with full Military Honors will be held at 10:15 AM at the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix on Monday, April 4, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the Casting for Recovery in memory of Bill. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning, that God

was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone;

for part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide;

and though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same;

but as God calls us one by one,

the chain will link again.