BENGE, William Wallace: Died 1983

BENGE, THOMPSON, MCCLURE, FERGUSON, NASON, OBRIEN, WILKINSON, FISK

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 11/18/2021 at 15:27:53

**Handwritten: V.B. Register 23 June 1983

William W. Benge

William Wallace Benge, son of William and Effie Thompson Benge, was born January 27, 1916 at Floris and died Saturday, June 19, 1983 at Van Buren County Memorial Hospital in Keosauqua at the age of 67.

He graduated from Bloomfield High School and on December 14, 1935 was united in marriage to Mildred McClure at Floris. They lived in the Floris community until moving to Douds in 1947. Mildred died in 1975. A son, Pearl, a brother, two sisters and two half-sisters also preceded him in death.

Remaining are three sons, Ronald LaVerne of Birmingham, Lawrence of Douds, and Donald of Eldon, two daughters, Jeanie Ferguson of Ottumwa and Linda Nason of Douds, thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Leon of Floris and three sisters, Irene O'Brien, Ottumwa, Blanche Wilkinson, Floris, and Ida Fisk, Bloomfield, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to farming he operated a trenching business in Douds.

He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, Douds Saddle Club, Douds Field Day Association and Douds Community Club and was a former 4-H and Boy Scout Leader.

He was Chancellor Commander of Starlight Lodge No. 350, Knights of Pythias and a member of Douds Temple No. 104, Pythian sisters.

"Cricket," as he was known to his friends will be remembered as a devoted father and grandfather, a good neighbor and friend and a community minded person who was always ready to do his part in any worthwhile cause.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 21, 1983 at 1:30 p.m. at Pedrick Funeral home in Douds, with Rev. Gerald Caughron officiating. Interment was in the Floris Cemetery. A memorial was established for the Douds First Responders Unit or the Douds Community Club.

Source: "Scrapbook 1981 - 1985", Pg. 151,
Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, Van Buren Co., IA