Donald F. Benne

Donald F. Benne, 84, of Union, passed away on June 12, 2024. Mr. Benne, son of the late Edgar Benne and Rosena nee Heitkemper, was born on January 29, 1940 in Chamois MO. He received his education from Chamois High School. On April 18, 1964, he was united in marriage to Rosalie Lingafelter in Kansas City, MO. Don and Rosalie just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Mr. Benne served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army, which included station orders to Korea and Washington state. The conclusion of his service in 1962 was spent processing the first ambassadors to Vietnam. As a proud veteran, he was a member of the American Legion Post 218.

After relocating to Washington in 1965, Mr. Benne worked for Modern Auto Company for 19 years as the "go-to carburetor guy" in addition to tending his own farm and livestock. Following his tenure at Modern Auto, he began his adventure as the successful business owner of Don Benne Light Excavating. Up with the sun for coffee with the guys, and down with the evening news daily, he filled his free time being a dedicated father, grandfather and friend. He never hesitated to provide for the needs and wants of others, and did so without complaint. He also enjoyed pheasant hunting, taking family drives, vacationing to the mountains out West, riding on his tractor, watching old westerns, and working in his garage and shop. Although a GM guy, through and through, he was the proud owner of a 1929 Ford Model A pickup, originally purchased new by his grandfather. This heirloom was a source of great pride after many years, and countless hours, of restoring the vehicle to its former glory. 

Don never met a stranger. This world will be lesser without him, but we all are better for knowing him. He will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Everett and Howard; mother and father in-law, Floyd and Marjorie Lingafelter; and in-laws, Melvin Lingafelter, Mitzi Benne and Debbie Lingafelter.

Among his survivors are his wife, Rosalie Benne of Union; four children, Amy Walker and husband Kevin of St. Charles, Angela Smith and husband Rusty of Washington, Rhonda Wood of Washington, and Duane Benne and wife Vanessa of Washington,  special honorary daughter, Julie MIller of St Clair; brother, Larry Benne and wife Regine of Galesburg, IL; fourteen grandchildren, Cory, Lea, Tonie, Ian, Parker, Ashlee, Matt, Melissa, Stephen, Preston, Adrien, Alex, Evan, and Owen; great-grandchildren, April and Andrew and two on the way; in-laws, Frances Sherrick, Janice Swick and husband Harley, Roger Lingafelter and wife Timmi, Lewis Lingafelter, and June Lingafelter; other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 3-7 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Full Military Honors will begin at 5 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to the American Stroke Association or the Alzheimer's Association.

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