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Bob Benham Obituary

Bob Benham, 78, of Springfield, passed away while gardening in his back yard on Thursday, October 28, 2010. After teaching overseas, Bob and his wife, Laura, settled in the Springfield area in 1976. He is an active member and cleric of Eckankar. Bob worked for Killian Construction as a Job Superintendent until his retirement in 1995. During retirement, Bob worked as a volunteer for Hospice. In addition, he was an Ombudsman for Ash Grove Health Care Facility, visiting weekly with his therapy dog. For the past 10 years, he and his wife have spent their winters in Brownsville, Texas.
Surviving Bob is his best friend and wife of 58 years, Laura; daughters, Denise Vetromile and her husband, Rick, Lori Benham and partner Ed Calhoun, a granddaughter, Nique Vetromile, and "Spruce", his therapy dog.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 2 p.m., in the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home, 1635 N. Benton, Springfield, Mo. Family has requested donations be made in Bob's name to C.A.R.E.S. Inc., P.O. Box 314, Concordia, KS 66901.
On line condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News-Leader on Oct. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Benham

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Cheryl FITZ

November 1, 2020

Can't believe it's 10 years already and my husband Nevin (Bob) passed on November 7th 2017. They are celebrating in Heaven now. Hope you are both doing fine.

Keyn & Sarah Mader

November 13, 2010

Dear Lori & Laura - wish we were there to give you both big hugs. I'll always remember when Bob got his ear pierced for his birthday and the grin he had on his face when I asked him about it. It was just one of many times he made me laugh. Keyn still has a bottle that Bob gave him several years ago, and we think of him every time we see it. With many fond memories -

Rlene Santos Steffy

November 12, 2010

Mrs. Benham, Denise and Lori,
I am in shock. I just learned from Carlotta that Mr. Benham passed away. I can barely see what I am typing as my eyes well up with tears. I have thought of you and Mr. Benham often over the years and ask about you when Lori and I communicate, which is not often enough. I've always thought that you and Mr. Benham were a wonderful example of the perfect couple - the best of friends who respected and loved each other. I see your old house on my way to Mom's and Phil's numerous times a week, so it is hard to forget about the Benhams'. Our family never regretted selling you the property and have good memories of the Benhams'. In behalf of my mother, Frederica Flores Santos, and brothers Philip and Frank, I offer our sincere condolences.

Jennifer Pierce

November 7, 2010

Dear Laura & Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray that all your memories will bring you peace.
I don't know if you remember, Laura, but Bob was responsible for piercing my ears when I turned 16. I don't remember how it came about, but my mom and dad brought me to your house, I think, and Bob whittled the end of the earrings I was going to wear, to a point. Drew X's on my earlobes (in blue ink), placed an ice cube behind my ear and pushed the earring through. I've never had a moment of trouble with my pierced ears! I had the pleasure of visiting with and reminding Bob of that important moment in my life a few years ago at the Guam Reunion in Oregon.
I'm so saddened by his passing, but thank God for bringing him into my life and allowing me the opportunity to know him, even a little.
Know that you're in my prayers.
Jennifer Pierce
Daughter of Marion & Duane Pierce

Wanda McHaffie

November 7, 2010

Laura and family.
I was so lucky to be able to revisit knowing Bob when he came back from TX and showed up at Ash Grove Healthcare where I work! I met your family many golden moons ago in the 1970's so was blessed to see his love shine with the resident's at Ash Grove. We will dearly miss him and I hope to see you again someday! May the Blessings Be!

Ron&Carol

November 7, 2010

Dear Laura & Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing, but know he is well and in a far better place now. You all are in our thoughts and in our hearts during this most difficult time.
The memories of Bob & Laura we will cherish forever. With much love, Ron Davis & Carol Craig

Gloria Smith

November 7, 2010

When I reflect on Bob and Laura, I think of them as one spirit...love, laughter, giving and a treasure of friendship. Both being ECK clerics, I met them as Winter Texans about 10 years ago at an ECK Worship Service.

November 6, 2010

Bob and Laura are the reason we are settled here in MO. We had such a great time meeting you at Paul's and thank you for helping us to make our home here in Missouri. Bob was such a help to Jim in setting up the farm and both of you are precious to us. Our hearts ache with yours, but our memories are wonderful. Thank you both for being such a part of our lives.
Jim and Diane Whitwer

Paul Burman

November 5, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Laura and your family......we have so many good memories of Bob especially Monday night at the jam, he will be missed.....Love, Paul and Judy Burman.

Milt/Ginger McDonald

November 4, 2010

Laura and family, We were both shocked and saddened when we learned of your loss. Bob was a fine man, one that will deeply missed. May you take comfort in all your wonderful memories. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

November 4, 2010

Bob was my mentor . Such good men should not die,but then maybe
thru their message they don't. Our deepest sympathy to you Laura and your family. Carl and Mary

Frances Potter

November 4, 2010

Dear Laura and Lori,
I am sorry none of the Potter family is there to give you a hug. Carrie saw on facebook about Bob's death and let us know. We have great memories of you on our visits to the Farm. John reminded me yesterday that both our kids got their first driving lessons on Pumpkin in the pasture. Thanks to you both for being such good,fun,and interesting neighbors over the years. We will miss knowing Bob is around and we're glad we got to see both of you last summer. With our sympathy and love,
John and Frances Potter

Michelle Schon

November 3, 2010

Wish we could make it to celebrate his life- he had a good one and we are proud to have been a small part of it. All our love to you, Laura, girls, family, and friends. - Michelle and Vincent Schon

November 2, 2010

The family at Paul's Park will never be the same without Bob. Such a wonderful man and a good friend to all.Our sympathies to Laura and family Ed and Audrey Coe

Carla Hunter

November 2, 2010

Hi, Denise and Lori --

This sad news brought back memories of summer visits with you in BG, when we came to visit our cousins the Ashbaughs, and bouncing on the trampoline in your back yard. Your parents were so cool were to let you have a trampoline! Although many years have passed since then, I'm sure that they have remained just as wonderful. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Carla Hunter

Dave & Bernice Nixon

November 2, 2010

Dear Laura,
We feel fortunate to have known Bob and counted him among our friends. We'll miss him more than words can say.
Our prayers are with you and your family.

Marion Pierce

November 1, 2010

Dear Laura,
I can't tell you how shocked I am at Bob's sudden death. I am so sad thinking I'll never see that extraordinary man again. In spite of the fact that you were both strong, independent individuals, you were the perfect couple in my opinion. I am sad that you have lost such a dear companion--such an interesting, multi-faceted man, good, kind, generous, fun to be with.
I'm sure your faith gives you much comfort and determination to carry on. All the best to you, Lori and Denise. Hope to see you on my next trip to Kansas. Keep in touch.
Love, Marion

November 1, 2010

Hi Laura,
So sorry for your lose. We will always remember our many boat overnighters, the banana ranch, and so many other memories from Guam. We love you both, Dave & June Applegate

November 1, 2010

Laura and family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob was very special and meant a great deal to all who met him. He touched many lives and his memory will live on.
Bob will be especially missed at Ash Grove Healthcare Facility.

Colleen Crump
Ash Grove Healthcare

Cory Gardiner

November 1, 2010

Wow what a loss ! I was just getting to know him better It was always interesting to speak with him so well traveled as he and Laura were .His
knowledge, wisdom, and insight were ever inspiring and I am sure that
he will make good use of them on the next leg of his journey.

Kay Addington

November 1, 2010

Dear Laura,
I am so shocked and saddened to learn of Bob's death. You were fortunate to share in each other's lives for so many years. He will be missed by many, as I know he touched the lives of each person he met. And I am proud to have called him a "friend".
Kay

Sharon Etheridge

November 1, 2010

Dearest Laura and Family;
May the Blessings Be!
Even though as ECKists we know that Bob is in the best of hands it is still always difficult to say goodbye.My thoughts are with you.

Mike & Peg Wolf

November 1, 2010

He's such a special Soul who will be missed by many. May the blessings be to all of you.

November 1, 2010

Laura and family, We will miss Bob and all his love, compassion, and humor. He was truly a golden hearted Soul and his spark will live on. Love, Sheila and Ernie

Bob and Cheryl Fitz

November 1, 2010

Bob and I are so sorry and shocked. Bob kept reminiscing last night about all the good times he had with Bob. I only met both of you in later years, but enjoyed our visits. Bob mentioned what an intelligent man he was and how they would plan their day every morning before work, having pancakes for breakfast.
I remember when he helped out with Hospice and thought, "what a thoughtful and caring man". He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.

October 31, 2010

Hi Mrs Benham , Lori and Denise,

I was doing a search to try and conect with Lori again and came across the sad news. I have so many happy memories of Mr Benham when all of you lived on Guam. I remember when he bought you a motorcycle for your 40th birthday..I remember all the fun I had with the Benhams out on your boat at Double Reef and helping you guys clear the hillside of rocks for your new house. I have always used the model of your marriage as an example of what I would want..it was that perfect in my eyes. Please know that he will be loved and missed by me, your daughter on Guam, Carlotta

October 31, 2010

Laura and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this great loss. The loss of Bob is a great loss for anyone who knew and loved him as I did. I personally learned so much from him. He was a mentor to me and I'll always be thankful for the short time I had with him. With much love, Keith Burley

October 31, 2010

Oh, my, the stories we could tell from long ago! We have loved knowing the two of you for over 40 years. Bob was a good example to all of us in so many ways. He lived life to the fullest and was always so much fun to know. We are so glad that we were able to see your winter "digs" that you both loved so well. Glad to hear you are going there anyway, Laura. Bob would have wanted you to, we are sure. Thanks for all the great memories!!
Al and Bettianne

October 31, 2010

Laura and Family,
We have all lost a wonderful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
In Sympathy,
Erv and Evelyn Legendre

October 31, 2010

It is with sadden hearts that we have lost a true friend. He was a mentor of all who knew him, & an icon of Paul's Park. Take comfort,in knowing we are keeping you, Laura & your family in our thoughts & prayers. God be with you. Bob & Rosalind Swartz, Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.

Palumbo Leilani

October 31, 2010

the light will burn on

Larry, Carolyn Perkins

October 31, 2010

We will miss you. May we learn from the time we spend together.

Larry, Carolyn Perkins

October 31, 2010

We will miss Bob. We did enjoy playing card with the two of you. Larry enjoyed cooking Wed, breakfast with Bob.He will be in our hearts always. God Bless.

Lyn <cEwen

October 31, 2010

Laura,
My heart aches for you and will keep you and the family in my prayers.
Our friendship has spanned over 50 years and you and Bob were always special to us.
God is with you,
Lyn McEwen

October 31, 2010

Hi Laura; Bob was a friend you could talk to on any subject . He helped out who ever needed or wanted it.
I enjoyed talking to him about meditation and higher powers.
We shall miss his smile and person.
Take care of yourself Laura ,we will see you in Brownsville.
Lofty Johnson , Deanne Blakemore

Doug & Pat & Hanna Wilson

October 31, 2010

We will miss Bob. He was our first neighbour when we got to the trailer park in 2005. He got Doug into the singing chefs breakfast & me into the park band. He never had a bad thing to say about anybody. He used to sing "original" or "obscure" songs that always had a story. We miss you Bob.

Areta Schock

October 31, 2010

Hi Laura,
It's hard to believe your e-mail. Thank you for this link. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Areta and John Schock, Harbor Oregon.

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