LIMA -- Richard "Rich" Eugene Bolender, Sr., 76 of Lima, passed away July 25, 2022, at St. Rita's Medical Center, with his loving family by his side. Rich was born May 13, 1946, to Daniel and Erma (Mauk) Bolender, who preceded him in death. On October 18, 2003, he married Rose (Howell) Bolender, who survives him in Lima.

Rich was a 1964 graduate of Lima Senior High School. He was a jack of all trades holding many jobs in his life; notably, he was the Manufacturing Engineer and CNC Programmer for Marathon Electric and Dana Corp, a self employed painter and, most recently, an Account Rep Specialist at Paragon / Motion Industries. Rich was an avid Ohio State, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds fan. He was a car enthusiast who enjoyed attending car shows and he loved spending time outdoors, especially walking and hiking through parks. Rich was a very talented writer who wrote his own autobiography and he often wrote poems relating to his life and family. Most of all, Rich loved his family very deeply; they were his world. He will be deeply missed by all of his friends, coworkers and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. In addition to his wife, Rich is survived by his children, Richard (Brenda) Bolender, Jr., Thomas "Todd" Bolender and Ryan "Seth" (Katie Krisher) Bolender; step-children, Kyle Cunningham, Jason (Bethani) Cunningham and Lydia Cunningham; grandchildren, Joe Bolender, Jayden Cunningham, Alivia Cunningham, C.J. Jackson and Bentley Jackson; sisters, Becky (Glenn) Keifer and Karen (Ed) Kelly; sisters-in-law, Judy Bolender of Dewitt, MI, Deb Howell and Pam Markham; brothers-in-law, Rick (Judy) Howell, Ed Howell and Lonnie Mc Kinney and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Rich is preceded in death by his brothers, Herbert Bolender, Russell Bolender and Wayne Bolender; brothers-in-law, Jim Howell and Steve Howell and his sister-in-laws, Linda McKinney and Trish Howell.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, August 1, 2022 at CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES - EASTSIDE CHAPEL with Rev. Chad Penhorwood to officiate the service. Burial will follow in Gethsemani Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.

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