Fairmount, Illinois - William Louis Benzing, 77, of Fairmount, Illinois breathed his last breath and stepped into his eternal reward at 9:58 pm (Indiana Time) on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the Autumn Woods Health Campus, New Albany, Indiana surrounded by family.

Bill was born September 18, 1946, in Hamilton, Ohio to Donald Eugene and Anna Mae Farley Benzing. He married Bonita Sue Wilkinson on November 29, 1969, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She preceded him in death on March 6, 2009. Bill grew up in the middle of a large family of nine children, and for much of his life, being right in the middle of the action was where he loved to be. His contagious sense of humor and gift for administration are remembered fondly by his surviving siblings and their families: Donna Kennedy, Ronald Benzing, Diane Adrian, Patricia Michalski, Emma Bowling, John Benzing and Matthew Benzing. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother: Gene Benzing; and his beloved wife.

Forever a family man, Bill is survived by his five children and their spouses: Nathan (Janet) Benzing, Gretchen (Josh) Neisler, Anna (Jeff Mazzeo) Benzing, Emily (Daniel) McCurdy, and Abigail (Tony) Simon as well as ten grandchildren. He leaves a legacy of devoted fatherhood through travel together, sports events, church attendance, and even Saturday morning chores. Anyone who visited his home or worked with him at church was likely to have heard his voice resounding down the halls as he sang while he worked. He was an avid golfer, participating in charity golf outings over the years for FCA and other organizations.

Originally from Hamilton, Ohio, the grocery business took this former executive to live in several states around the country including Wisconsin, Montana, Illinois, and North Carolina before retiring to serve on staff at his church, Calvary Baptist in Danville, Illinois where he worked for many years as the administrator and served as a deacon.

Celebration of Life at 10:00 am on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Danville, Illinois with Chaplain Colonel, Ron Benzing and Pastor Joe Humrichous. Visitation is from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Calvary Baptist Church, Danville, Illinois. Burial will follow in the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Catlin. Donations in his name are welcome to the Michael J. Fox Foundation in lieu of flowers. Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois is handling the services. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.