Elmer R. Bender

Elmer (Papa) R. Bender, 88, of Waymart passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at his daughter’s home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after an illness. His beloved wife, the former Arlene Smith preceded him in death on April 19, 2017. Born May 13, 1934 in Gouldsboro, he was the son of the late Calvin and Verna (Simpson) Bender. Elmer was a well-known member of the Waymart community where over the years, he owned and operated Ladore Farms, his plumbing and heating business, the Coffee Grinder Restaurant, and put on over a million miles as BlueDog with his tractor trailer. He was a member and Past Master of the Waymart Masonic Lodge #542 and was active in many masonic activities and organizations. Elmer was a life member of the Waymart Fire Company. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a beloved family man who always looked forward to spending time with all those he loved. Earlier in life, Elmer married the former Thelma Beam. Their marriage was blessed with three children who survive him: Lee Bender of Waymart, Janice Snyder (Bill) of Gouldsboro, and Judy Spewak of Tuscaloosa, AL. Elmer later married Arlene, who was the love of his life. He welcomed three more children into his life at that time and they also survive: Debbie Bates (Gary), Mark Petrilak (Joanne), and Christopher Petrilak (Kathy), all of Waymart; grandchildren: Shane Enslin, Kevin Enslin, Billy Snyder, Josh Snyder, Leah Zawisky, David Spewak, Zach Spewak, Sabrina Bates Anderson, Brooke Petrilak Blaine, Sally, Katelyn, Melissa, and Courtney Petrilak; great-grandchildren: Ryann Enslin, Kaili Enslin, Kevin Enslin, Hailey Snyder, Brianna Snyder, Emma Spewak, Olive Spewak, Kaleb Zawisky, John Zawisky, Matthew Zawisky, Cedar Anderson, Sammy Roman; sisters: Carole Mower, of Macon GA and Alice Rivers (Gene) Lake Lake, FL. Elmer was also preceded in death by his brother, Cal Bender; and two sisters, Jean Walters and Charlotte Hughes. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 in The Waymart Church, 596 Honesdale Road, Waymart, PA 18472. Services will begin at 10:00 AM with a Masonic Service led by Waymart F&AM Lodge #542. At 10:15 AM, Memorial Services will be officiated by Pastor William Mountain and Pastor Sal Maiorana. Immediately following these services all are welcome to visit for a time of "Reminiscing and Refreshments" from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM in The Waymart Church Dining Room. Private interment will be in The Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc. Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472.