Gary Benjamin

Gary K. Benjamin, Sr, 69, of Rushville, passed away at 1:19 AM, Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

He was born on September 11, 1948, in Pittsfield, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Marjorie (Butler) Benjamin.  He married Pamela Shelton on February 11, 1978, at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rushville.

Surviving are his wife Pam, daughter Lyndi Smith and husband Cody of Rushville, son Kortney Ellis and wife Michelle of Beardstown, two children from a previous marriage Kirby and Shannon, four grandchildren Drew, Gavin, Katie, and Connor, two step grandchildren Landen and Harley, sister Rose Blackburn of Rushville and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Terry Benjamin, and niece Loy Clayton.

Gary was a 1968 graduate of Rushville High School and served in the US Army, stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War.  He began his career at NTN Bower in Macomb as an operator and later in quality control.  He retired as a supervisor in 2014 after 36 years of service.

He was a member of the Beardstown Elks BPO Lodge No 1007, the Camden Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M # 648, and Rushville Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M # 9.  He served on the board of the Hickory-Kerton Water Co-op.  He enjoyed piddling around his house, doing carpentry and yard work.  He also enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and was an avid Cardinals baseball fan.

Services will be at 2:00 PM Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville, with Reverend Mike Courson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Beardstown City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, March 25, 2018, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to Hope Blooms or the First Christian Church in Beardstown.