Charles M. Bender

Charles M. Bender, 84, of 21737 Star Route, Meadville died at home Sunday, July 15, 2007.

He was born in Viaduct, PA July 13, 1923 a son of Henry and Elizabeth Hale Bender.  He married Elizabeth R. Walk October 26, 1946 and she preceded him in death April 23, 2004.

He retired in 1983 from the railroad after working for 30 years for Conrail, NY Central, Penn Central and East Erie Commercial Railroads.  He was a veteran of World War II with the Army Air Corps.  His most fond memory of Europe during the war was sharing his candy with the children in Italy.

He was a member of Cornerstone Church of God.

Survivors include: three sons, C. Mark Bender and his wife Susan of Port St. Lucie, FL, John A. Bender of Meadville and Paul G. Bender and his wife Deborah of Anchorage, AK; one daughter, Regina M. Giles and her husband Gregg of Meadville; five grandchildren, Christopher M. Bender and his wife, Lisa, of Vero Beach, FL; Brian S. Bender and his wife, Mary Ann, of Port St. Lucie, FL; Kirsten (Giles) Fink and husband, David of Erie, PA; and Geoffrey and Evan Giles both of Meadville; and eight great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters.

Memorial services will be held at Cornerstone Church of God, Meadville at a date to be announced.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Cornerstone Church of God Youth 2008 Mission Trip, c/o Cornerstone Church of God, 18320 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, PA 16335.