Melvin "Mel" A. Benham

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.