JC Benage (Lebanon)'s Obituary
J C Benage, son of Jewell and Edna Kerr Benage, was born March 24, 1932, in Conway, Missouri. He departed this life Wednesday, November 19, 2014, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-two years, seven months, and twenty-five days.
On December 28, 1979, he was united in marriage to Judith Marie Fohn, and they shared the last thirty-five years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two great-granddaughters, Ann and Lucy.
J C is survived his wife, Judy, of the home; a son, Joseph Benage, and his wife, Marilee, of Kansas City, Missouri; three daughters, Donna Caffey, and her husband, Rick, of Lebanon, Missouri, Julia Pederson, and her husband, Garry, of Springfield, Missouri, and Amy Cook, and her husband, Rob, of Lebanon, Missouri; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, Cotie Benage, of Venice, Florida; several nieces and nephews; a special friend, Dr. Sam Assafeen, and his family; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was born near Conway, Missouri, and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1950. He then attended Drury University in Springfield, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Business. He served his country faithfully in the United States Navy for a few years, and then returned to Lebanon. His first job was working at Benage Dairy, but he began his career in banking by joining United Savings and Loan Association in Lebanon. He served as their president for several years, and then became Chairman of the Board. He currently was serving on the Board of Directors of U. S. Bank. Throughout the years, he had also owned and operated a cattle farm outside of Lebanon.
J C was a member of First United Methodist Church in Lebanon. He and Judy were always willing to help others and were very supportive of many local projects and entities.
He belonged to the Lebanon Kiwanis Club, the Lebanon Country Club, and had served on various boards and committees of other civic organizations. He greatly enjoyed cattle farming and liked his John Deere equipment. One of his favorite activities was having coffee daily at Mike’s Country Store and visiting with his buddies and friends.
J C will be fondly remembered as a dedicated business man, a respected cattle farmer, and a good and caring friend to many.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mercy Foundation, and will be used for the Chapel Project. Donations may be left at the funeral home.
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