Gary “Ben” Joseph Benjamin entered into rest on Aug. 27, 2018, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Overgaard at the age of 75. He was born on Oct. 2, 1942, in Fort Madison, Iowa to Dale and Lucille Benjamin. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at the Heber Overgaard Cemetery, located at 1787 Memorial Park Road in Heber. Gary’s nephew Matthew Benjamin, who is a priest in the U.S. Marine Corps, will be conducting the services. Family, friends and anyone that knew and loved Gary are welcome to attend. Gary spent his young years in Fort Madison where he attended middle school and high school and grew up along the Mississippi River. Gary will be remembered as a person who enjoyed talking to anyone he met. He was often seen visiting with friends and neighbors and helping them with anything he was able to. He kept in touch with his Iowa classmates, and enjoyed attending family and school reunions. He loved being out in the forest, taking his dog Sadie squirrel hunting, fishing with family and exploring the outdoors. Gary is survived by his wife, Christel of 48 years. Also surviving is his daughter, Audrey Creamer; sons, Billy John (Duc) Beaird and Michael Beaird; granddaughters, Stevie Studer and Kenessa Beaird; grandson, John Michael Beaird; brother, Darrell (Nancy) Benjamin; sisters, Linda (David) Smith, Elaine (Jerry) Truelove and Twila Orr; sister-in-law, Carol Benjamin; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Lucille Benjamin; two brothers, Patrick and Juan Benjamin; and two sons, Kenneth and Brian Beaird. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements.
