Gary Thomas Benjamin, age 66, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 4:45 A.M.. on Friday, August 9, 2013 at Saint Mary's Hospital in Centralia, Illinois. He was born on August 20, 1946 in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Kenneth C. and Josephine (Hatfield) Benjamin. He married Lettle Rose Groff on April 30, 1965 in Odin, Illinois and she survives in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 48 years, Mr. Benjamin is survived by 1 son Gary Benjamin and wife Debra of Centralia, Illinois, 1 daughter Malissa Ratermann of Centralia, Illinois, 3 grandchildren Makyla Flanagan, Makylie Rose Marie Benjamin and Joshua Jacob Benjamin, 1 great grandson Jacob Tyler Bennett, 1 brother Kenneth Edward Benjamin and wife Dixie of Woodlawn, Illinois, 1 half brother Troy Lewis and wife Peggy of Texas, 1 half sister Debbie Nichols and husband John of Centralia, Illinois, 1 brother-in-law David Groff and wife Janice of Joliet, Illinois and 1 sister-in-law Ople Schmitz and husband Ronnie of Centralia, Illinois.

Mr. Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother Donald Ray Benjamin.

Mr. Benjamin was a veteran of the U.S.. Army serving his country from May 13, 1968 until April 8, 1970. He was a scrapper who enjoyed collecting appliances and taking them apart for scrap. He also enjoyed playing penny-ante poker with his family and enjoyed a good game of Chess. He watched his old western and war movies, WWF Wrestling and Twilight Zone. He was an avid fisherman. He mostly enjoyed the time he spent with his family especially his grandchildren.

Mr. Benjamin retired in 1997 as a trailer mechanic after 25 years of service with Valley Steel in Centralia, Illinois. He lived his whole life in Centralia, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 11:00 A.M... at Moran Queen~Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Mr. John Willis officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M... until the time of services at 11:00 A.M.. on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made in Mr. Benjamin's honor to the Murray Center Parent's Association and with be received at the funeral home.