John Benham

John Thomas Benham 7/3/1929 - 11/9/2012 John was born in the small town of Pattonville, Texas, which is in Lamar County to Horace and Opal Benham. Johnny grew up during the depression, but he always said his family never wanted for anything important. They lived in cotton country and worked hard to survive. Johnny held many dear memories of helping his family with gardening, farming, hunting, and fishing. Johnny had a chance at a football scholarship until he tore up his knee in a game. After high school, John came to Dallas around 1949 to ‘get rich' he told his family. (He was always quick with the jokes.) John held many jobs including ice cream delivery, tire sales, and he had a knack for trading up at swap meets. He was especially proud of his career as a truck driver for McLean Freight Lines. He retired as a Teamster in 1986. Prior to moving to Golden Acres Nursing Home in 2009, John lived in Hutchins for over 40 years. Over the years, he made many friends in all walks of life. He had a heart the size of Texas, and was generous to a fault. He would gladly give his last nickel to someone in need. John never met a stranger. He could find something in common with most any person he met. He was a great story teller. Depending on his mood he might regale you with stories of moonshiners, life in the country, driving a truck or whatever suited his fancy. But he was a great listener too, always willing to lend a helping hand. With limited means, Johnny always found a way to show his generous spirit. In his younger days he repaired bicycles and gave them to the less fortunate neighborhood children at Christmas. Later he created key chains, platted from plastic bags and pop tops - just so he could give them away to everyone he met! He loved to bring or give treats to his friends: a bag of hamburgers, a box of drinks or a handful of candy. We have brought a few key chains and pepper mints today to share with you. If you met John Benham, chances are he called you his friend. John is survived by his daughter Belinda Pavageau and husband Dennis of Dallas, and his son Ronnie Benham and his wife Tonya of Kaufman. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Benham and wife Joyce of Sumner, TX, and brother-in-law Kenneth Logan of Mount Pleasant. Johnny's legacy continues on with 4 grandchildren Mikenzie Benham, Aimee Perez, Denise Ladoux, and David Pavageau, 8 great grandchildren, 2 nephews, 1 niece and numerous cousins. John was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Eva Joyce who passed away in 1997, and his sister, Gay Lee Logan of Mount Pleasant who passed away in 2003. Johnny will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him! Services to celebrate his life are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday November 13, 2012 at the Pat Boze Memorial Chapel of Wayne Boze Funeral Home, Waxahachie, with Rev. Don Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at the Edgewood Cemetery, Lancaster. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 12, 2012 at Wayne Boze Funeral Home. www.waynebozefuneralhome.com

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