Lower Paxton Township, Pa., farrier Larry Bender passed away after a long challenging battle with PSC, a rare liver bile duct disease. He was 77.

After completing high school in 1961, Bender graduated from farrier school at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and apprenticed as a farrier under Charles Zimmerman of Linglestown. He was a member of the Charlton United Methodist Church and a long-time member of the American Farrier's Association.

He was a highly respected and qualified farrier for 55 years, specializing in the American Saddlebred Show Horse, the Morgan Show Horse and the Hackney Show Horse and Pony. Several farriers apprenticed under his supervision. Bender was highly respected by the horse show community and trainers, who never hesitated asking him to shoe their horses. He was the official horse show farrier for the Devon Horse Show for 30 years, Pennsylvania National Horse show for 35 years and for many years Children's Benefit Horse Show, Quentin Riding Club Horse Shows, Branchville Sussex County Horse Show, Lancaster Horse Show and Twin Brooks Riding Club Horse Shows (which he served as president when they purchased their show grounds).

Bender took great pride in watching his wife show their American Saddlebred Horses, Morgan Horses and Thoroughbred. Barn dogs and cats loved Larry and spent hours with him begging for hoof trimmings, treats, love and attention.

Private funeral services have been conducted. Donations in his name can be made to the Salvation Army, Food Bank or charity of your choice.