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