Claron Eugene Benjamin

Claron Eugene Benjamin, age 88, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, at his home.

Claron was born on June 3, 1935, in rural Garnett, Kansas, the son of Ralph Eugene and Iva Pauline (Bailey) Benjamin. He graduated with the Garnett High School class of 1953 where he was active in FFA, 4-H, played football, basketball, baseball, and track. He might have been known to cut class with Dennis Hastert Sr. to go fishing. This love of fishing continued throughout his life, and he enjoyed passing it onto the younger generations. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching baseball, going to kids' games, and drinking coffee with his buddies. He passed on the importance of enjoying life while you can.

Claron married Shirley Jean Cummings in 1954. They were married 14 years and were blessed with four children.

He was united in marriage to Sherry Ann Fields on August 17, 1974; the day of the inland hurricane. With this marriage, Claron gained another daughter, and together, Sherry and Claron were blessed with another son.

Claron began his career with Santa Fe Railroad, spent a number of years farming and milking, then moved to Wichita, Kansas where he worked for Beech Aircraft. He then moved back to Garnett, and took a job in the oil fields. Then an opportunity came along to go into the restaurant business. He managed the Rocky Roost in Welda for several years. Here he said, he met a good lookin' woman named Sherry. She had the sweetest little daughter Michelle. He then returned to the oil fields working for Ladd Petroleum, and ended his career with Glenn Caldwell Sr. managing his oil operation and assisting with the farm operation.

Claron was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Pauline Benjamin and sisters-in-law Linda Sue Benjamin and Mary Louise Benjamin.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Benjamin, of the home; his children, Daniel (Linda) Benjamin, Stephen (Donna) Benjamin, Sandra (Leroy) Hamilton, Dennis (Megan) Benjamin, Michelle (Ed) Cox, Shawn (Rachel) Benjamin; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers Marvin (Janet) Benjamin and Gary (Marilyn) Benjamin; numerous cousins, his morning coffee group, and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Claron's family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday evening at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Garnett, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church and left in care of the funeral home, or you can take a buddy fishing in honor of Claron. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com