Walter Ray Bench 1904-1984

Walter Ray Bench, son of Lawrence and Glenora Hartsel Bench, was born August 8, 1904 at Brownfield, Missouri, and passed away May 27, 1984 in Florissant, Missouri at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 19 days.

Ray was raised in the Brownfield Community, later moving to Richland, Missouri.

He served four years in the United States Navy, and served on the U.S.S. Milwaukee.

Ray accepted Christ as his personal saviour and was baptized February 25, 1949. He was a member of Independence Baptist Church until his death.

He was united in marriage to hazel Marie Freeman, and to this union was born 2 daughters and 1 son. Hazel passed away in 1959.

He was united in marriage to June Rhodes Painter in 1960 and they resided in Hazelwood, Missouri. She passed away August 30, 1982.

He worked for several years as a carpenter for McCarthy Bros. Construction Co. from which he retired in 1972. He was a member of the Carpenters Local.

Others preceding him in death were his parents, 1 brother, Oscar Bench, 1 son, Howard Painter.

Those left to mourn his passing include three daughters, Beverly Prine of Pekin, Illinois, Phyllis Decker of Chico, California, Barbara June Painter of Hazelwood, Missouri, 1 son James Bench of Richland, Missouri, 1 brother Ralph, St. Robert, Missouri; 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.

Services for Walter R. Bench were held at Colonial Funeral Chapel 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 31, 1984. Officiating at the services was Rev. Curtis Wilson. Burial was in the Oaklawn Cemetery. Escorts were: Larry Bench, Victor Bench, Don Hicks, Charlie Bench, Willard Nicks, and Kerry Brown. Honorary Escorts were: Earl Nicks. Under the direction of Colonial Funeral Chapel, Richland, Missouri.