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BORN
1965
DIED
2015
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Gregg Benner Obituary
Rio Rancho Police Officer Gregg "Nigel" Benner, age 49, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 25, 2015 in the city he proudly served.
He was born on October 8, 1965 at Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base (Oklahoma) to John and Glenda (Pretty) Benner. In May of 1988, Nigel entered into a 22-year career with the US Air Force. He retired from the USAF as a Master Sergeant in April 2011. His medals and awards were numerous which include the Meritorious Service, Air Force Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Good Conduct Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Medal with 1 Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 Service Star, Global War On Terrorism Medal, and Korean Defense Medal, just to name a few. Retirement did not last long and he pursued his dream of becoming a police officer.
The City of Rio Rancho was very fortunate that he became "one of their own." He was a well-respected, deeply devoted, and intelligent officer. He was known for his pleasant demeanor, both on and off the job. His favorite hobby was his riding his ATV. Nigel lived a life of service to his country and community, but most importantly, to his family.
He is survived by his wife and source of strength, Julie Ann Benner, of Rio Rancho, NM; children, Sharon Vince and partner, Alex Twiggs, of London, England, Tanya Blount and husband, Kevin, of Brunswick, GA, Tracey Gray and husband, Martin, of Swindon, England, Bryony Vince-Benner and partner, Andrew Chatfield, of Redditch, England, Samantha Roberts of Grand Forks, ND, and Jennifer Benner of Terrell, TX; seven grandchildren, Kayleigh, Jemma, Sophie, Blake, Payton, Wyatt, Lena and two grandchildren due within the next 2 months; mother, Glenda Benner of England; sisters, Julie Benner of Sweden and Janine Benner of England; nieces and nephew, Rosie, Molly and Samuel, of England; aunt, Linda Boice; step-mother, Doris Benner of Omaha, NE; family of Josephine Finch; Peter Finch; Andy and Belinda Finch; Kevin Finch; Kerry, Paul, Bethany, Ryan, Nathan and Siany Brooks; Kieran, Shelley, Ethan, Zachary and Riley Brooks; Paul Tolzmann, Carole Tolzmann, of Rio Rancho; David Tolzmann, of Rio Rancho; Michael Tolzmann, of Rio Rancho; Brian, Lynda and Nate Johnson, of Rio Rancho; Pops and Mom, of Rio Rancho; his fellow officers of the Rio Rancho Police Department; and many other family and friends.
Public Viewing and Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Daniels Family Funeral Services, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Attendees are asked to be at the Star Center by 10:00 AM with the Funeral Service to begin at 10:30 AM. Following the service, the funeral procession will travel to Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho for Honors Presentations.
To view information or leave a condolence, please visit
www.danielsfuneral.com.
Daniels Family Funeral
Services
4310 Sara Road SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gregg Benner
Sponsored by Daniels Family Funeral Services - Sara Road Chapel.
Paul Tolzmann
July 24, 2018
I cant believe that 3 years have passed, you are so missed, some day you and me will go ride again, so keep your bike ready
And we will see who can hill climb the best, until then LOVE YOU BROTHER
Karen Galbreath
June 7, 2015
Nigel gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of Rio Rancho. He is one of God's faithful and beloved by all. Rest in peace Nigel.
Evie Castaneda
June 7, 2015
Our prayers will continue to be strong for Mrs.Benner, children,grandchildren, friends and colleagues. May our BIG BROTHER rest in peace.
Debbie Quintana
June 5, 2015
We are so very sorry for your loss on this earth. The prayer group I belong to has been praying for all the family for comfort and strength. We love you and God bless all of you.
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Sue Wasson
June 5, 2015
I didn't know Officer Benner but I am sending my love and prayers to the family. I am sorry for your loss. Sue
June 5, 2015
Such A Loss of a True American Hero, We are honored by your dedication and professional manner in which served our country and city so faithfully. We pray for your family and friends and fellow officers. God Bless. Roy& Kristen Young Rio Rancho
Jacquelyn Haydu
June 5, 2015
Thank you for your service as an officer of
Rio Rancho and serving our country. Thanks
for serving and protect the city of Rio Rancho.
Our condolences to the Family of Officer Gregg N.Benner We will all miss him greatly.
June 4, 2015
Thank you Officer Benner for your service .
Rest In Peace
William & Joyce Fisher
Rio Rancho
Rob Gonzales
June 4, 2015
Thank you for your dedicated service. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences. My prayers are with you all.. His family, friends, and colleagues. Heaven has gained one of our best!! God Bless you
June 4, 2015
R.I.P
June 4, 2015
sorry for your loss.
All of you are in our prayers.
Gary & Katherine
V Sturgeon
June 4, 2015
Prayers with you and your family. Wishing you blessings of peace and fond memories of your loved one.
Kellie Casteel
June 4, 2015
I am so, so sorry for your loss.
June 4, 2015
Julie and family. So sorry.
Germal Cardenas
June 4, 2015
Officer Nigel Benner, a great American hero thank you for taking care of our community here in Rio Rancho. Much love and blessings to the family. You will be missed.
LaVerne Aragon
June 4, 2015
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Officer Gregg Benner! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God bless! Merced, LaVerne & Family. ❤
Donna Griego
June 4, 2015
I am unable to attend your service so I wanted to stop in here and leave a message. First I would thank you, for your service to country and community. I have lived in Rio Rancho for nine years now, and not one day have I lived in fear. I have often taken that for granted, and for that I am truly sorry. Thank you for all that you have done to keep us safe, for the nights you worked hard, at personal risk, so I and those I love, could sleep in peace. Go with God sir, and know that our prayers cover your family and your fellow officers.
Scott Chamberland
June 4, 2015
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Roseann Button
June 3, 2015
Rest in peace. God bless you, your family and friends xxx
G Kasparian & Nickolas
June 3, 2015
Two years ago, Officer Benner responded to our frightened 911 call, after the Air Force family next door suffered a property crime. Officer Benner was so kind and so calm throughout - he helped us to calm our own fears. We will always remember him - you never forget people who extend genuine kindness and support in a crisis.
His kindness was well known. It is obvious that our community loved and respected this man. He was a remarkable human being, as well as service officer. We are all truly lucky to have had him in our midst, our community and our lives.
Thank you so very much, Officer Gregg Benner. Heaven bless you, your family (such a huge family!), and even larger extended police and service family.
John W Daugherty
June 3, 2015
May the Peace of Christ fill your heart and bring you lasting peace.
June 3, 2015
Neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God's love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. While I didn't personally know you, my thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.
June 3, 2015
Mrs. Banner, I'm so sorry for your loss of your husband. I don't live in Rio Rancho, I live in Hobbs. And my heart just hurts for you . I know our God will give you strength each and every day to get thru this. I know you have wonderful memories to get you thru it also. May God bless you and the rest of the family. Janice
Lucy Norman
June 2, 2015
Mrs Benner, please accept my sincere condolances. In memory of your husband. My grandchildren and I planted bulbs of flowers today on Pinetree Rd, left flags in a cross, & red/white/blue windmill. All is circled with rocks. A nice officer assisted as I am unable to climb over the nice fencing. Much love to your family.
June 2, 2015
Thank you for your service to our country and to Rio Rancho. My heart goes out to your family and the other Rio Rancho officers. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
June 2, 2015
My heart goes out to your wife and children. May God's Love shine upon you always as one of his most precious children. Rest In Peace
Louise McCartney
Albuquerque, NM
Phyllis Rossetti
June 2, 2015
Thank you Officer Benner, for your service to our Country and Rio Rancho. My deepest sympathies to your family and all the Rio Rancho police officers.
Gregory Gibbs
June 2, 2015
I will always remember you walking around during an exercise with your clipboard with the secret coversheet on it doing nothing and seeing if/how long you could get away with it. You will be missed. Greg Gibbs
Dan and Lorie Castilleja
June 2, 2015
A tragic loss for the family and community. Officer Benner served and we are so grateful. Prayers to his family and fellow officers.
Lory Slade
June 2, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss!
Pamela
June 1, 2015
Thank you Officer Benner, for your service. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Cheryl Lawrence
June 1, 2015
Lifting your entire Family & Friends up in Prayer. Know Officer Benner is HOME & is wearing a Crown & White Robe~ Thank you Lord for the Life & Service of this wonderful man~
June 1, 2015
I am deeply saddened by this tragedy that took the life of such a caring and beautiful soul. I met officer Benner a few times and he was such a caring person.I am truly sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in his memories that you hold within your hearts.my prayers are with each and everyone of you.may god bless you all
Traci Davie
May 31, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss.
Neil Palmer
May 31, 2015
I'll miss you forever ~ cheers mate!
Neil
Christine Williams
May 31, 2015
My heart felt condolences! Thank you Mr. Gregg Benner for your service and protecting the citizens of Rio Rancho. God bless your family and friends. I am heartbroken and saddened of this tragedy. Praying for strength and comfort!
Amen
May 31, 2015
Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.
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