Jackie Lee "Jack" Benge

Jackie Lee "Jack" Benge, 92, of Poland, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 16, 2025, at the Hospice House of Poland, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born April 28, 1933, in Frankfort, Indiana, a son of the late Roy Dean and Beulah P. (Coffman) Benge. He was a graduate of Frankfort High School. Jack worked as a shipping department manager for both Peter and Paul Candies and Zachary Candies. He later joined Purdue University, working in the maintenance department of the Music Hall, from which he retired in 1998. Jack greatly enjoyed traveling with his wife to places of interest and especially cherished his trips to Branson. He loved doing word search puzzles, but most of all, he treasured time spent with his family. His first wife, the former Bonnie Bogan, whom he married on August 22, 1962, preceded him in death on August 19, 2002. Jack later married Ellen J. Bloomstine Proverbs on December 11, 2004, who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Debra Watts of Colorado; his stepchildren, Deborah Rees of Frankfort, Indiana, Kirsten Proverbs of Georgia, Thomas (Sherri) Proverbs of Southington, and Linnea (Dr. Rev. Louis) Woolley of Poland; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Jack also leaves a special niece, Patricia (Larry) Shipley, and a special nephew, Jimmy Benge. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his stepchildren, Harold Vice, Daryl "Jill" Padgett, Colette Delph, and Marilyn Galvin; as well as three half-brothers and three brothers. Family and friends may call Monday, December 22, at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m.