Joseph "Joe" Hilbert Bender, 82 of Bristow, formerly of Indianapolis, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2019 at his home in Bristow. Joseph was born May 3, 1936 in Siberia, IN to John Werner & Ella E. (Denu) Bender. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Ann Rickelman on October 5, 1963 at St. Ferdinand Church in Ferdinand. She preceded him in death on April 29, 1985. Joe was a retired Indianapolis Police Officer as Director of Communications and Indianapolis Fire Department as Technical Support. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1958 to 1961. He belonged to the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police and Indianapolis Knights of Columbus. Joe attended St. Jude Catholic Church and was a member of St. Martin of Tours Church in Siberia. He is survived by three sons, Joseph A. Bender of Indianapolis, Patrick D. Bender of Bristow, and Brian S. Bender of Indianapolis; two daughters, Mary Susan Hill and Julie A. Hughey both Indianapolis; three brothers, Werner Jr. (Rosie) Bender of Jasper, John (Phyllis) Bender of St. Meinrad, and David (Brenda) Bender of St. Anthony; two sisters, Elnora (Donald) Harpenau of Chrisney and Ann (Sylvester) Voges of Ferdinand; fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ann; six brothers, Richard, Edward, Alois, Urban, Louis, and Larry Bender; and two sisters, Irene Egloff and Alvina Flynn. Visitation will be Sunday, January 13, 2019 from 2-8 PM at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand and also Monday, January 14, 2019 from 7-9:30 AM at the funeral home. Funeral services will be Monday, January 14, 2019 at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church at 10 AM, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Ferdinand American Legion Post 124 will conduct military graveside rights. Online condolences may be made at www.becherfuneralhome.com.