Sam Benge

 Mr. Samuel Michael Benge, 81, Richmond, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024.

 Sam was born in Brookville, Indiana on February 2, 1943, to Buford F. & Alice W. Renyer Benge. He was a young Airman when he met the former Mary E. Fleming at the Peppermint Lounge in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. They were married on April 27, 1963, and later blessed with 2 sons, Mike and David, both of whom Sam was very proud of.

 Sam served 12 years in the US Air Force, including a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1967-68. He later served 8 years in the US Army Reserve to earn his military retirement at the rank of Sergeant First Class. Sam also served as a civilian employee of the Department of Defense. Upon his retirement in June, 2002, Sam had recorded over 40 years of combined military and civil service to the Government of the United States.

 Sam enjoyed wintering in Tampa, Florida and traveling. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing racquetball.

 Sam will be missed by his wife of 61 years, Mary; sons, Michael Benge & wife, Melanie; David Benge; grandchildren, Courtney, Olivia, Sam, Ian (Holly) and Sarah (Sam); great-grandchildren, Elle, Sophia, Lillian and Walker; and 5 sisters.

 Sam was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Heather; and 3 brothers.

 A graveside service with military rites will be conducted at a later date in the Field of Honor in Earlham Cemetery.

 Memorial contributions are encouraged for Tunnel 2 Towers at www.t2t.org or by mail to 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306; Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or by mail to PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516; or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/indiana or by mail at 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830.