Mr. Melvin A. "Mel" Benham passed away Nov. 12, 2004, at his daughter Virginia's residence in Dowagiac, Michigan, at the age of 89 years, 6 months & 3 days. Mel was born on May 9, 1915, to Charles C. Benham & Sarah Jane 'Shannon' Benham. Also preceding-in-death were: his 1st wife (of 37 years), Myrtle Virginia 'Reynolds' Benham; his 2nd wife (of 29 years), Lila Ann 'Somerholder' Benham; & by 1 son, Gary Anthony Benham. Mel was: * a member of the United Community Church in Sun City, FL. * when growing up in Flat River, Mo., he was a member of the Flat River Christian Church. * Mel was a former Navigator for PanAmerican Airlines; * a member of the Masonic Lodge & Shriners of Sun City, Florida. * He loved to Square & Round Dance. Mel retired after teaching for many years in Missouri & Illinois schools. Survivors Include: 3 DAUGHTERS - Virginia 'Mrs. Rev.' John Kruger, of Dowagiac, MI; Debbie (& Steve) Allen, of Barnhart, MO; Mary Ellen (& Tom) LaFranka, of Madison, WI. 2 SONS: William Charles (& Shirley) Benham, of Rockford, IL; Robert Van (& Judy) Benham, of Rockford, IL. 1 SISTER: Gladys Benham, of Park Hills. Also surviving are 19 GRANDCHILDREN. Visitation Will Be Tuesday, 9 am & funeral services Tuesday morning, 10:00 a.m., at TAYLOR Funeral Service CHAPEL, with Rev. John Kruger officiating. Interment will follow in the Bismarck Odd Fellows Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: * Hospice &/or * Cancer Fund.
Our Prayers and thoughts are with you all… We remember Mel very well and how good he and the rest of you were to us when we lived next to you on Cartee Road..
Grandpa, You will be missed. I will miss your letters and great thoughts on life.
Shannon and I will always cherish memories of the lake, the ducks and all of our vacations at the farm memories! My Dad (Gary) is up there waiting to take you fishing! with love always, Tracy Benham
Immer, wenn ich an den Himmel sehe und ich dort den gro¿en Wagen sehe, werde ich an Dich denken. Fur einen guten Gro¿vater in liebevoller Erinnerung Matthias, Nathalie, Tobias und Deine Anja Gottwald .
Immer, wenn ich an den Himmel sehe und ich dort den gro¿en Wagen sehe, werde ich an Dich denken. Fur einen guten Gro¿vater in liebevoller Erinnerung Matthias, Nathalie, Tobias und Deine Anja Gottwald .