Charles W. Bench

Charles Wallace Bench Age: 72 years A resident of rural Vienna, IL. Passed away Saturday afternoon, October 27, 2012, at 12:54 PM at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. Charles was born September 7, 1940 in Placerville, California. He was the son of Hubert Wallace Bench & Dolly Wilma (Bramel) Bench. Charles was united in marriage to Sue (Baker) McDaniel on June 24, 1987 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives. Other survivors include: 4 Daughters - Jody (Bench) Miller of Oregon Julie (Bench) Wiggs of Buncombe, IL Jeannie (Bench) Neely of California Mary Ellen (Bench) Sampson of California 2 Sons - Allen McDaniel of Springfield, IL Eddie Bench of California A Brother - Jim Bench of Mt. Auburn, IL A Sister - Sheri (Howard) Rumbold of Chillicothe, IL Several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren A Nephew – Allen (Missy) Letcher of Taylorville, IL A Niece – Becky (Bob) Chambers of Chillicothe, IL An Aunt – Hilda Fetter of Imperial, MO Charles was preceded in death by his parents. Charles was a 1959 graduate of Mt. Auburn High School in Mt. Auburn, IL, where he was active in all sports, most notably basketball. He was offered several sports scholarships. Charles was employed at Vandenberg Air Force in California. He also worked for the State of Illinois in nuclear calibration. He retired in 1992. Charles was a member of the Mt. Auburn Church of Christ. He was a 30+ year member of Kedron Masonic Lodge # 340 AF&AM at Mt. Auburn, IL, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Valley of Springfield. Charles was also a member of the A.A.O.N.M.S. Ansar Shrine in Springfield, where he was a charter member of the Ansar ATV motor patrol. He was also an associate member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post in Vienna. Charles enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and assisting his nephew Allen Letcher during harvest every fall. Charles never met a stranger. His favorite sayings were “Okee-Dokee” and “I hear you talking.” Charles was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. In accordance with Charles’ wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N. Main St. Chamberlain, SD 57325 or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707.

Charles W. Bench

September 7, 1940 - October 27, 2012