Joe Donald Benge's Obituary
Joe Donald Benge
Funeral services for Joe Donald Benge, 79, of Longview will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2015 in the Summerfield United Methodist Church with Reverend Gerald Phillips and Dr. Del Covington officiating. Burial with military honors will follow under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Mr. Benge was born July 20, 1935 in Sicily Island, LA to T.L. and Bertie Benge and passed away Monday, March 20, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He retired from the U.S. Army in July of 1973 as a Chief Warrant Officer after 21 years of service and was very proud of his service to his country. His 4 brothers also served in the Armed Forces for a total of 107 years between the 5 of them.
Mr. Benge bought Longview Blind and Screen in November, 1972 while still in the Army and operated it for 36 years before retiring. He was a very active member of Summerfield United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school for 24 years, and served on virtually all the committees in the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers and 4 sisters.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Benge; son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Brenda Benge, Daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Gary Blalack, and daughter, Glenda Jacobs; grandchildren, Shelly Benge, Brandon Benge and wife Cristy, Wes Blalack and wife Becky, Robert Benge, Clint Blalack, Kaila Jacobs and Colton Jacobs and wife Sandra; and 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Life Care Hospice and a very special thank you to Becky Ferguson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Dallas Chapter, 4144 N. Central Expressway, Suite, 750, Dallas, TX 75201-3140 or to Summerfield United Methodist Church, 4912 Tryon Rd., Longview, TX 75606.
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