Cochran – Matthew Loran Bender, age 54, died Thursday, November 30, 2023, at his residence. Graveside funeral services will be held Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. in Limestone Memorial Gardens.

Loran was born and had lived most of his life in Cochran. He was the son of the late Emmett O. Bender and Shirley Belflower Bender and was preceded in death by his sister, Colleen Bender Foskey. He was a 1987 graduate of Bleckley County High School and an honor graduate from Oconee Fall Line Technical College in Dublin. Loran worked at Middle Georgia State University Dining Hall, was a former supervisor at Lithonia Lighting and had worked at Robins Air Force Base.

Survivors are his daughter, Melody Claire Bender of Warner Robins; his brother, Phillip Bender, Sr., of Cochran; his sister, Sherry (Mike) Eaton of Warner Robins; several nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends after the service Sunday at Limestone Memorial Gardens.