Jackie E. Benander, 92, of Russell, Kansas, died on Sunday, October 06, 2024, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Jack was born on November 27, 1931, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Theodore A. and Isabelle Ann (Ladner) Benander. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas, and graduated from Topeka High School. After high school Jack served his country and enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War era. After serving his country he worked for many years for the telephone company as a telephone lineman. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Pierce on May 31, 1991, in Denton, Texas. He was a member of the Church of Christ of Russell, American Legion Post #309 of Luray, Kansas, and V.F.W. Post #6240 of Russell. Jack enjoyed having a good time with his buddies at the American Legion and V.F.W.
Surviving family include his daughters Beverly K. Bickery and husband Bill of Bloomington, Illinois, Debra S. Freeman of Tool, Texas and Laura Benander of Arizona; his son Jimmie Dean Furst and wife Stella of Baytown, Texas, sister Darlene Smith of Hays, Kansas; 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth on December 21, 2016, son Michael E. Benander and brother Larry R. Benander. Cremation has been selected by the family and a memorial service to celebrate Jack’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell. Burial of the ashes will follow at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas. Military honors will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Family will greet guests the day of the service. Memorials may be given to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.