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Ephraim Benman
ELKHART -- Ephraim Benman, 78, of Elkhart, died at 8:05 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 6, 2010) in Golden Living Center after a brief illness. He was born March 29, 1931, in Gogis, Ala., to Bessie. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Henry Smith; one son, Kenneth Coleman; and one sister, Sara Moore. Mr. Benman married Berneice Coleman on Nov. 12, 1955, in Elkhart. She survives along with one daughter, Linda F. Coleman of Richmond, Va.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two brothers, John H. Nave of Elkhart and Ernest Nave of Orlando, Fla. Mr. Benman worked in the foundry at Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Co. Inc. for more than 40 years, retiring in the late 1980s. He was an avid physical fitness enthusiast who spent much time at the local YMCA running and training for Elkhart's annual Great Race, which he would enter every year as a power walker. He enjoyed baseball and photography and was a die-hard Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War as an artilleryman. In earlier days, he coached several Little League teams. Friends may call one hour prior to Friday's noon funeral service at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Elkhart. Pastor Sam Frison will officiate. Burial with military graveside honors rendered by Elkhart DAV Chapter 19 and the USMC Funeral Honor Guard will follow the service in the veterans' section of Prairie Street Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences
CondolencesThe following condolences were left by family, friends, and loved ones of Ephraim Benman.
To: Ms. Linda Faye Coleman and her mother, May the God of Hope give you Peace for your soul... Rest for your Heart... and a deep sense of Comfort from every Prayer lifted for you during this time. He shall strengthen your heart all ye that hope in the Lord. ( PSALM 31: 24) We will continue to keep you and mother in prayer. St. James Baptist Church Thursday Noon Bible Study Class / Senior Ministry Gale Lewis Ephraim Benman & Coleman Families When your heart is empty filling it with happy memories of your love ones can help you find your way. Always know that you are never alone. God is with you. I hope it lightens your burden to know that others share your loss. Mr. and Mrs. Benman were some of the first people my husband (Lewis) and I met when we move to Elkhart in 1963. They were such friendly and loving people. Their warm and bright smiles warmed our hearts as though we had known them forever. My husband is gone too, but we never forgot the beautiful friendship and kindness that Ephraim and his family showered upon us. You will be missed, Dorothy Smart and Family Dorothy Smart & Family So sorry to hear about Ephraim, he is missed. When I heard of his illness from one of the "regulars" at the YMCA, there instantly was a void. Almost every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and many Saturdays (unlike Ephraim -- I took Thursday off), I visited with Ephraim -- this all started in 1992. Everyone needs constants -- and he was one of ours. Almost everyday of the week we would exchange words and talk about something. A very kind man that spoke so proudly of his family and friends. Everytime I walk into the locker room at the Y -- I will think of Ephraim -- and likely he is starting a new walking route in a better place. Our prayers are with you. Doug Keeslar
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