Gerson Lloyd Bence, 79, of Barr Slope passed away peacefully in his home, Monday, August 19, 2019, surrounded by those he loved. Born in Marion Center on July 19, 1940, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Gladys (Short) Bence. Gerson was the husband of Doris (Brocious), whom he married on June 22, 1963; together they raised four children. After graduating from Marion Center High School, Gerson went to work at McCreary Tire and Rubber in Indiana. After the plant closed, he sought employment at the IUP Custodian Department and retired from there in 2003. He also managed the Barr Slope Water and Sewage Authority for over twenty years. As a member of the Meadow Lanes Golf Club, he could often be found on the course enjoying the game that he loved. He had a passion for hunting deer, turkey and small game and though he enjoyed sports of all types, Gerson didn’t often stray too far from home, because the one thing that defines him best, was his love for his family and friends. An active member of the New Life Lutheran Church of Marion Center, Gerson exercised his gift of serving others in many different areas, including being in charge of the New Life Lutheran Cemetery Association; a position he held for several decades. His dedication to his family, the church, and his church family, was rooted in his love for God, and having been “graced,” his faith was sure, solid and fully present to the very end. In addition to Doris, his bride of 56 years, Gerson is survived by their children: Debra Burkhart (Doug), Indiana; Gregory Bence (Holly), Sugar Land TX; Connie Bence, Indiana, and Jeffrey Bence (Telena), Corvalis, OR. He is also survived by six grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Emily Bence; Aaron Burkhart; Elizabeth Bence; Hayden Bence; Trista Bence; and Samuel Bence. Other survivors include his sister, Sylvia (Dick) Bothell, Tanoma; sister-in-law, Barbara Brocious, Indiana, brother-in-law, Dwight Brocious (Margie), Dixonville. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant grandson, Benjamin Bence. Friends will be received Thursday, August 22nd, from 2:00 until 4:00 and from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. Visitation will also be held Friday morning, August 23rd from 10:00-11:00 AM at the New Life Lutheran Church, 1209 Leroy Road, Marion Center. His funeral service will follow the visitation, officiated by his Pastor and friend, Stephen Bond. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: New Life Lutheran Church or to the New Life Lutheran Cemetery. The mailing address for both is: P.O. Box 219, Marion Center PA 15759. Doris and the rest of the family extend their sincere thanks to the Visiting Nurses Association of Indiana, and to Tonya, his caring nurse. Online condolences may be offered by visiting rbfh.net.