Wilford Jack Benner

Wilford “Jack” Benner, born March 30, 1934, in Evansville, Indiana to Margaret & Wilford Benner. He was the oldest of three children: Jack, Mary Rose & Elmer (died at age 16). He graduated with the Class of 1952 at Central High School in Evansville and went directly into the US Army. He served 12 years in the US Army as an Operations Specialist and Auto Mechanic; and received a Good Conduct Medal and Honorable Discharge in 1965. Jack met & married his wife Irene Barcial (also serving in the US Army), while stationed in California. They were transferred to Aberdeen, Maryland where their first daughter, Jackie was born. After another transfer to Stuttgart, Germany, their second daughter, Suzy was born. After serving two years in Germany they were sent to Ft. Lewis, WA where he decided to end his military career. For about a year, he had a few short term jobs but eventually went to work for the Holroyd Company as a truck driver in the late 60’s. He was promoted to many management positions within the company and after 47 years, he retired in 2015. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed vacationing in Kauai, Hawaii, gambling in Las Vegas, and taking road trips with his family all over the continent. During his retirement, his greatest pleasures were spending time with his family, great grandson Jack, drinking a beer in the backyard with his friends, and watching over his koi fish. He was a member of the Elks Local 174. Over the past 15 years, Jack faced multiple medical issues and was a fighter. In the end, he died of multiple myeloma. He was a great man and will be greatly missed. Jack Benner is survived by: his wife, Irene Benner; daughter Jackie Benner Christel (Paul); daughter Suzette Ranson; grandson Kyle Ranson (Angela); grandson Aaron Ranson; great grandson Jack Ranson; his dearest friends John (Ann) Nelson; Audrey Christoff; Larry Ranson; his Evansville family Dennis & Mark Monarch; his Hawaii family; Serge, Betty, Derek & Dwayne Barcial, Ricky & Becky Regor; and many more friends and family members. The family would like to thank the Franciscan Hospice House nurses, Gina, Salud, Jen, Christy, and Dawn for the amazing care and support provided.