Brent Nelson Bender, 54, of Portsmouth, died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at SOMC Hospice.

Born June 5, 1958, in Portsmouth, the son of the late Paul and Dorothy Smith Bender, he was a machine operator for N&S Railway.

Brent was a coach for the Minford Pee Wee Hillhounds for 16 years, played in men’s softball leagues in Columbus and Portsmouth, was an avid Ohio State fan.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Sciotoville Christian Church.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Holbrook Bender; one daughter, Sarah Hannah of Portsmouth; one sister, Paula (Paul) Hickman of Portsmouth, and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be conducted for family and close friends at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, at Bennett Cemetery in Minford with Randy Wickham officiating.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by James Irwin Post No. 622 American Legion and William A. Baker Post No. 363. Friends may call at Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday.