Richard Bert Bending's Obituary
Richard Bert Bending, age 93, of St. Clair, died May 28, 2011. He was born February 4, 1918 in Mt. Gilead, Ohio to the late Bert and Lura Bending. Richard married Frances Suisse in October 1940, she preceded him in death in August 1967, he later married Elizabeth (Sasu) Grigg in June 1969, she preceded him in death in October 2009.
Richard graduated from Mt. Gilead High School, where he was the captain of the swim, basketball and football teams. Following graduation he worked for HPM in Mt. Gilead. He later moved to Michigan to work for Standard Products/Thermal Plastics. He helped Chris Haas create Blue Water Plastics, where he was plant superintendent for over 50 years.
Richard was active with Little League as a coach, leading his Dodger team to the State Runner-up title. He was a very avid hunter and fisherman. He was also very active at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, serving as their "go to maitenance man". He also travelled with church members to tornado devestated areas in Ohio to help them rebuild.
He is survived by his children; Bonnie (Tim) Zobl, Mary F. Wojcik, Wayne (Paula) Bending, Sherry (Ed) Henschel and Diane (Michael) Peterson, 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brothers; Ray, Earl, Darrald and Harless Bending and sister; Elizabeth Hoch.
Richard's family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mary Black and all the staff at Rivers Edge that cared for and about him and gave him so much love.
Funeral services will be held Thursday June 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, St. Clair. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours are Wednesday 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, China Twp. and Thursday 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Pallbears are Tim Zobl II, Chris Zobl, Brian Zobl, Eric Zobl, Douglas Kane and Justin Bending, honorary pallbearers are Mark and Greg Henschel.
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