Thomas Earl Pender

Thomas Earl Pender, affectionately known as Tony, died peacefully at his home at the age of 71 years old after an extended illness on Saturday, April 16, 2022.

Tony was born May 6th, 1950, to the late Elma and Phillip Pender Jr. in Brownsville, Tennessee and soon after moved to Mansfield, Ohio where he was raised with his brothers John, Tyrone “Slick”, Terry, Fred, Ricky, Randy, and only sister Regina.

He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and participated in the legendary Mansfield Soul Brother Softball Tournaments.  He then later moved to Marion, Ohio making it his home. He worked for General Mills for 40 years and retired in 2015.

Tony enjoyed the holiday season especially home cooked meals from family members and friends he deemed as a good cook because he/she knew how to season food correctly.  He was a sports enthusiast and loved football, his favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys.  Family and friends could always find Tony lounging at his home in his recliner chair, eating his favorite meal: steak, baked potato, and an ice-cold beer while watching a good game on TV or at Ralphie’s Sports Eatery. He loved music and enjoyed attending concerts with his brothers as they would travel for the weekend to the Cincinnati Jazz Festival yearly.

Tony walked through life as a quiet and gentle giant with a mighty roar and was known for helping those in need. He also took great pleasure in mastering his grill and making barbeque dishes for those he loved. Prior to his illness, Tony pastime was riding his bike throughout the neighborhood.

He is survived by his son Isaac Melton, daughters Cataeya Thornton and Aleah Thornton. Grandchildren Tristen, Trenten, Kendell, Alayna, Taeler, Catrissa, Gionni Pender, and was expecting his first great-grandchild in early July.

He is also survived by his brothers Fred (Vicki) Pender of San Diego, CA, Terry Pender of Ft. Wayne, IN, Rick (Emily) Pender of Columbus, OH, and Randy Pender of Mansfield, OH, and his aunt Annie Jean Shaw of Brownsville, TN. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers John Pender and Tyrone “Slick” Pender, his sister Regina Hart, his aunt Clydell Cynthia Smith, his niece Alia Pender, his nephew Shalen Pender, and his great-nephew Jakeel Amsbaugh.

He leaves to cherish and rejoice in his memory a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and dearly beloved friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday April 23, 2022 at Edwards Funeral Service 318 Mt. Vernon Ave., Marion, OH 43302 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, with a service to start at 2:00 PM.