Charles Edward Benedict, Jr.

Charles (Charlie) Edward Benedict, Jr., 84 of Winter Haven, Fla., and originally from Indianapolis/Martinsville, Ind., passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.

Born June 30, 1940 in Indianapolis, Charles was the son of Charles E. Benedict, Sr. and Marion Faye Davis Benedict.

Prior to graduating from Southport High School in 1958, Charlie met the love of his life, (Diane) Lurea, in the band. Charlie played the trombone and Lurea played the glockenspiel. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Charlie and Lurea were set to be married on June 12, 1960, then enjoy a week of leave after the wedding; however, just a week before tying the knot, Charlie’s orders had changed and he would need to report to Quonset Pointe, RI on that day. Over a phone call, the two decided to ditch their original planned date. Instead, they were married a day earlier, on June 11 at University Heights Christian Church in Indianapolis, before driving their ’51 Chevy to Rhode Island to check-in at base.

Together, they spent three years in Norfolk, Virginia where Charlie was an airplane electrician on the USS Randolph. After moving back to Indiana, Charlie studied at the University of Indianapolis and Indiana University/Purdue University, where he also became a professor of practice. Charlie retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a computer analyst in 1995, where he worked for 30 years.

In June of 1967, Charlie and Lurea moved from Southport to a farm just outside the Morgan-Monroe State Forestry on Hacker Creek Rd. For nearly 50 years, they enjoyed

raising corn and livestock. Charlie especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about farming life.

Charlie loved spending time with his grandchildren, whether he was playing with them or teaching them skills. He made each of his grandchildren something special – a toy box, a cradle or a playhouse.

Faith was very important to Charlie, who was an active member at North Central Church of Christ in Bloomington. There, he was a part of ‘Friendspeak’ and ‘Let’s Start Talking’ in Japan, sharing the saving grace of Jesus, as well as daily life and culture of Americans. He and Lurea often shared traditional holidays in their home with international students from Indiana University. He also served through numerous mission trips that took him to Japan, India and Germany. Charlie devoted additional time to the American Indian Christian Mission in Arizona and served twice with the Church of Christ Disaster Relief.

In 2016, Charlie and Lurea moved to Winter Haven, Fla., where they began their worship at Winter Haven Church of Christ. Charlie taught bible classes to children, teens and adult at churches wherever he lived. He served three churches as an elder.

Charlie is survived by his loving and caring wife Lurea, who remained by his side for 64 years, including during a hard-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. He is also survived by his two children, Julie Lynn (David) Keister, of Martinsville; and Douglas Edward (Sarah) Benedict, of Philadelphia. He is also survived by grandchildren Zachary David Keister and Ann Lurea Keister, both of Martinsville; and Wyatt Woods Benedict and Jack Edward Benedict, both of Philadelphia. He is also survived by his siblings-in-law Jody Benedict, Dave (Deloris) Eaton, Donna (Ron) Baysinger and Debbie (Steve) Adams. He also had many loved nieces and nephews.

Charlie was also a loving foster parent to Debbie Kay Saltsman, Terry David Farley, Frankie Wallace Dodd and Aaron Woodall. He had many lifetime friends, including Rick and Judy Wiese, Keith and Lorraine Richardson and Ron and Phyllis Miller.

Charlie is proceeded in death by his parents Charles E. Benedict Sr. and Marion Faye (Davis) Benedict. His siblings, which all proceeded him in death, include Herbert (Donna) Benedict, Howard Benedict, Delbert Benedict, Esther (Lee Ralph) Coker, Ruth (Bill) Newkirk, Naomi (Chet) Smith and Mary (Jim) Rieman. He was also proceeded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law Donald and Dorothy Eaton and brother-in-law Dan Joseph (Jacqueline) Eaton. Charlie was also proceeded in death by his grandson Anthony Bruce Keister.

Friends and family will gather at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Winter Haven Church of Christ. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Rolling Hills Cemetery in Winter Haven.

Memorial contributions in honor of Charlie may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived — the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9