John Lee Bender, 77, passed away Friday December 3, 2021. He was born April 5, 1944 son of the late Monroe Bender and May Shanaman Bender. A memorial service will be held at a later date. John was a proud member of the US Marines and served in the Vietnam war. He loved to travel and lived in Pennsylvania, Illinois and moved to Union County six months ago. John loved to watch and feed the birds everyday. He also loved fishing and model trains. He was an avid pet and dog lover. Best of all he loved a good story and enjoyed talking with everyone. John worked for Tootsie for over twenty years and that is where he met his wife of forty years, Laura Bender who states John was a loving, caring gentleman and my hero. John is survived by his wife Laura; his two children, Eric D. Bender and Heidi S. Loflin (David); two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; and his four-legged baby, Jessica. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 is caring for the Bender family.