Larry G. Benham

Larry G. Benham, 87, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, surrounded by his family. Larry was born on March 21, 1938, in Allendale, Illinois, the son of Nolan Theron and Pauline May (Glazier) Benham. Larry graduated from Allendale High School Class of 1956 and attended college at the University of Illinois, Elgin Community College and Wabash Valley College.

Larry married Esther (Lynch) Benham on July 10, 1958, at the Methodist Church in Allendale. They celebrated fifty-five years of marriage in 2008. Larry and Esther were the parents of Robert Michael (Linda) Benham of North Carolina, Debra G. Benham of Keensburg, IL, Lisa Smith (Bill) of Clarksville, TN, and Lori (Stephen) Tharp of Nashville, TN.

Surviving is his wife of ten years, Jane Benham, whom he married on September 5, 2015, at First Church of the Nazarene in Mt. Carmel, IL, his children, Robert (Linda) Benham, Lisa (Bill) Smith, and Lori (Stephen) Tharp, and his brother, Paul (Sophrona) Benham. Surviving grandchildren are Jennifer Raines, James McClellan, Jacquelyn McClellan, Bethany Partee, Billy Gene Smith, Carli (Tharp)Taylor, Kyler Tharp, and Connor Tharp. Surviving great-grandchildren are Lillian Partee, Jayden Partee, Hunter Pratt, Tristan Pratt, Lora McClellan, Trae James, and Olivia Cormier.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Esther Benham, his daughter, Debra Benham, his brothers, Jerry Benham and Robert Benham, and great-granddaughter, Megan McClellan.

Larry held many occupations during his lifetime. He lived and worked in the Chicago area in a factory management position with the Chicago Rawhide Corporation for many years. After moving to Mt. Carmel, he worked at Meissner's Manufacturing, Snap-on Tools, and worked as a Jewel Tea Salesman, Wabash County Deputy Sheriff, and served as Wabash County Circuit Clerk for nineteen years.

Larry enjoyed watching baseball, fishing, amateur radio, photography, playing guitar, dobro guitar, and singing. He was a long-time member of Mt. Carmel First Church of the Nazarene, where he served faithfully as a Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer, played guitar and sang. He was well-known for sharing his music with others at community events, nursing homes, music festivals, competitions and he became a 5-time Indiana State Champion dobro player.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Gene Siverly officiating assisted by Pastor Jared Henry and Pastor Bill Castillo. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Mount Carmel, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made in Larry's memory to Friendship Christian Church in Princeton, Indiana or Mackey Church of the Nazarene in Mackey, Indiana. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Larry's tribute wall and leave condolences for the Benham family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com