Thomas Edward Bench

Having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, Thomas (Tom) Edward Bench was ushered into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, October 2, 2025. He lived most of his life in Trotwood and was 86 years old.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents - David and Virginia (Smelker) Bench, his late wife - Sharon (Speelman) Bench and daughter – Chara Ann Bench.

Tom is survived by his brother – Paul Bench of Florida; sisters – Martha (Bench) Meeks of Trotwood, and Barbara Fiant of Pleasant Hill; as well as his wife, Sandy (Bell) Bench of Trotwood; and his children – Miriam (Shon) Smith of Kettering, Micah (Maura) Bench of Brookville, Rebecca (DaJuan) Sanford of Englewood, Tim (Beth) Bench of Brookville, Julia (Derek) Denlinger of Columbus, Philip (Heather) Bench of Kettering, Becky (Bill) Roark of S. Carolina, plus 18 grandchildren, Claira, Ethan, and Jackson Bench, Noelle and Simon Bench, Kymani and Jayla Sanford, Cara and Jonathan Denlinger, Anna, Asher, Sam (Emily), and Jacob (Katie) Bench, Haylea (Shane) McCoy, and Hillary (Morgan) Crawford; and great-grandchildren, Graham, Josephine, and Eleanor Bench.

Tom graduated from Trotwood-Madison High School and from Parks College (St. Louis University) and then served in the United States Air Force Reserve. After retiring as Quality Control Engineer in Dayton, he traveled the world teaching English as a second language, while living out his faith. He was a sincere follower of Christ Jesus and was a member of Phillips Temple Church of Trotwood and Gideons International. Tom chaired the Old Towne Neighborhood Watch in Trotwood and was a tutor at Brunner Literacy Center in Trotwood. Tom loved cycling on the bikeways in and around Dayton. He also loved flying, airplanes and all things aeronautical.

Visitation will be held from 9-11am with funeral service to begin at 11:00am on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Phillips Temple, 3620 Shiloh Springs Rd., Trotwood, Ohio 45426. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Gideons International – sharing God’s Word around the world, Brunner Literacy Center – supporting the gift of literacy for others, and Hospice of Dayton – honoring patients and caring for families with tenderness and expertise. www.RogersFuneralHomes.com