Richard Alan Bender

Marion-Richard Alan Bender, 65, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 8:55pm at Marion Rehab & Nursing. Richard was born on October 2, 1948 in Herrin to Aggard and Mary (Sorukas) Bender. He worked at Franklin-Williamson Human Resources-H Group for 42 years and was a member of Second Baptist Church. Richard attended school in Marion from 1965-1969. He participated in Special Olympics and special camps throughout his life. Richard loved his family and friends. He especially enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals and bowling. Growing up, Richard loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. He has blessed all of our lives in so many ways. Survivors include: Brother-Donald Bender and wife Delores of Lake of Egypt Sister-Elaine Kirkman of Energy Nephews: David Bender and wife Sue of Aiken, South Carolina Randall Kirkman and wife Mary of St. Louis, Missouri Nieces: Kimria Benton and husband Scott of Stafford, Virginia Sherry Kirkman of Miami, Florida Donna Evangelous and husband Ralph of Wilmington, North Carolina Grandnieces: Amber Bennett and husband Reuss Lindsay Benton Krystina Benton Kaitlyn Evangelous Grandnephews: Tyler Kirkman Nicholas Kirkman Vlad Benton Tyler Evangelous Great-grandnieces: Emma Bennett Samantha Bennett Great-grandnephew-Blake Bennett Cousins: Francis Liss and husband Gene of Park Ridge, IL Roger Missavage of Herrin Dennis Missavage of Atlanta, GA Bill Sorukas and wife Diana of South Bend, IN Ron Sorukas and wife Sandi of South Bend, IN Jim Bennett of Borrego Springs, CA Ray Bennett and wife Thelma of Flat Rock, MI Richard was preceded in death by his parents.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 11am at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Wagner officiating. Burial will follow at Egyptian Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 9am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Special Ministries for Second Baptist Church and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home/ 800 N. Market/ Marion, IL   62959. For more information or to sign the guest register, please visit hughesfuneralhomes.com