Charles Brook Bensenhaver

Louisville - Charles Brook Bensenhaver, Jr., 92, passed away at Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville, KY on January 7, 2024. Charlie was a resident of Louisville for 71 years. He was a teacher, a scholar, a behind-the-scenes politician, a gardener, a neighborhood produce salesman, a swimmer, an Olympic Torch runner, and a good neighbor. Charlie was born in Rig, WV, and was a graduate of Berea College and the University of Louisville. He taught at Alice Waller Elementary School, where he met his wife of 64 years, Doretha Hanson. He also taught at Watson Lane Elementary School in Jefferson County and at various elementary schools in the New Albany-Floyd County School System as well as being the Big White Reading Bus driver and teacher for a few years in the same school district. A supporter of Democrats all his life, except for that slip of his finger when he voted for Eisenhower, he was well-known among local and state politicians. Charlie was considered 'The Mayor of Lakeside' as he spent his spare time swimming laps as well as meeting and greeting as many other members of the swim club as possible in the more than forty years of his membership there. As the son of a farmer, Charlie never let the soil get far from his hands. His love for gardening and meeting people led him to be known as the 'Vegetable Man' around Village Dr. in the Highlands. He always grew too much and loved to share the bounty of his labors. He was a member of Bardstown Road Presbyterian Church. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Doretha Bensenhaver, two sisters, and two brothers. He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Kennedy (Earl), Amye Bensenhaver, his son, Charles Brook Bensenhaver III (Rose), four granddaughters, four great-grandchildren, two brothers, and three sisters. No service is planned. Donations in Charlie's memory can be made to Berea College, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404.