Edward L. Bender, 83, of Goshen died Friday evening, Feb. 19, 2016, at his home.

He was born Nov, 1, 1932, in Elkhart County to Daniel and Sylvia (Schmucker) Bender.

On March 18, 1951, he married Martha M. Kaufman at Pleasant Grove Church, Goshen.

She survives along with a daughter: Joyce E. Burkhead of Goshen; four sons: Lamar (Karen) Bender of Hesston, Kan.; Darrell L. (Sarah) Bender of New Paris; Randy A. (Debbie) Bender of Granger; and Ronald R. (Paula) Bender of Lynchburg, Va.; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five sisters: Dorothy Borkholder of Nappanee; Christina (Melvin) Mullett of Sugar Creek, Ohio; Marie (Mahlon) Hostetler of Nappanee; Barbara Sue (Orla) Troyer of Carbondale, Ill.; and Esther Bender of Nappanee; and a sister-in-law, Anna Mae Bender of Bremen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Floyd Bender; and two grandsons: Derek Burkhead and Noah Bender.

Ed was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, New Paris. He was a plant manager and truck driver for 26 years at Fidler Inc., Goshen. He also drove truck for Knepp Sand and Stone.

He enjoyed spending time with family and any type of athletic event, especially fast pitch softball; college football and basketball; golf and bowling.

Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, and one-hour prior to the 11:20 a.m. funeral service  Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Rev. Rob Nelson of Grace United Methodist Church will officiate.

Burial will follow at New Paris Cemetery.