Max W. Bender, 68, of Worthington, passed away at 9:21 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2005.

Born July 26, 1936 in Worthington, he was the son of N. Wayne and Helen (Reel) Bender.

He retired from Peabody Coal Company Jasonville Shop after 35 years. He was a member of United Mine Workers and Elks Lodge in Linton.

Survivors include: his mother Helen Bender of Worthington; his wife Judith (Hannum) Bender of Worthington; one daughter Diane and her husband Bryan Wilson of Bloomfield; one son David and his wife Heather Bender of Plainfield; five grandchildren, Matthew, Jennifer and Brianne Wilson of Bloomfield, and Kristen and Thomas Bender of Plainfield; and one brother Gary Bender of Worthington.

He was preceded in death by his father N. Wayne Bender.

Funeral service will be at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Worthington at 11 a.m. on Thursday with Robert Grider officiating. Burial will be in Worthington Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home.