Michael Bender Jr.

LIMA -- Michael J. Bender, Jr., died at 12:21 am on Aug 25, 2025 of pancreatic cancer at Hospice of Central Ohio at Wexner Medical Center.

He was born at home to Michael J. Sr. and Victoria (Ehora) Bender, who preceded him in death. On May 26, 1961, he married Lorita "Sue" Simpson of Mt. Victory, Ohio who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister Patricia Ann Bender Gough.

Mike graduated from Lima Central Catholic in 1958; received his B.A. degree from Ohio Northern University in 1962 and his Law degree in 1965 from the same institution. He practiced law in Lima Allen County, Ohio, for over 40 years and after retirement he moved to Marblehead Ohio, to a residence they maintained for over 40 years.

He was a member of the Allen County, Ohio State and American Bar Association and had served as the President of the Allen County Bar Association. He served as a member of the Allen County Easter Seals Board of Directors and the Board of the Lima Y.M.C.A., being a member of their Wall of Fame.

Mike was appointed Secretary to the Lima Civil Board in June 1967, serving until September of 1997. He also was appointed Assistant Attorney General State of Ohio in March 1971, serving until June 1992. The Ohio Supreme Court appointed him to two consecutive 3-year terms on the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline for the court. He was a life member of the Lima Elks and a member of the Eagles Lodge.

He is survived by his 3 children: Laura Bender of Rugby, North Dakota; Deron (Rania) Bender of Columbus, Ohio and Angela (Travis) Merry of Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as 7 grandchildren; Morgan, Matthew (Katie) and Alexa (Jillian) Roberts, Paige and Chloe Merry and Caden and Dane Bender and 4 step-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, with Fr. David M. Ross officiating.

Private entombment will be in Gethsemani Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Ohio's Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, OH 43055.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.