Bobby Benge

Bobby Joe Benge

May 16, 1932-May 22, 2018

Our Dad, Bobby Joe Benge, had a variety of names throughout his life. His immediate family referred to him as Joe. His friends and extended family called him Bobby Joe, Bobby, Bob, or Mr. Benge. In the Air Force, he was Major Benge. Uncle Bobby, Pappaw, and Dad were names called by the youngest. Whichever name you used meant you knew our father.

Our father was born in Maydelle, TX. His parents were Guy Fowler and Ora Roach Benge. Along with his parents, his siblings, Ann, Shirley, Doug, and Maurice have been waiting for him to join them in heaven. Now, the family is all reunited. They have a lot of catching up to do!

Before our Dad knew it, he had been labeled the love of our mom’s life. She told her girlfriends, “Hands off. This one is mine!” That was while they were in junior high school! That is when Dad’s eternal love for Phadalia, our mom, started. Dad liked to joke with Mom and say she would break up with him to date his friends and then come right back to him around the holidays and that meant he had to buy her gifts. His favorite gifts to Mom were flowers, Beautiful, Waterford, and jewelry. Dad had good taste!

Sports became a big part of Dad’s life at an early age. Some of his closest friends throughout his life played with him at Stonewall Jackson Junior High School and Sam Houston High School (1950 graduate) in Houston, TX. Baylor University gave Dad a life-changing opportunity to play ball for them and further his education. We are forever grateful to Baylor University. Mom, of course, wasn’t going to let Dad go to Waco without her, so they married on August 25, 1951. While attending Baylor University, B.S. Business (1954), Dad was an outstanding letterman in baseball and football. He received many honors, including his name listed on the wall of the BU Baseball Park as an All-American catcher.

Dad knew he wanted to serve his country and enrolled in Baylor University ROTC. His Air Force Career of 25 years began as a pilot after leaving Baylor. He proudly served his country in Vietnam where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three clusters. The game of golf traveled with dad during his Air Force years. He once gave friendly advice to Arnold Palmer when he was playing golf in Ireland. Needless to say, he was an excellent golfer! Dad and Mom also loved camping and traveling. They passed this along to all of the family. We all enjoy the outdoors, and our best memories are outside in God’s world.

Full retirement brought Dad and Mom back to Waco for the remaining years of their lives. They did not miss a Baylor baseball game and family had to arrange visits and outings around the baseball schedule. They loved having their own seats in the stands. Dad continued going to the games in his wheelchair this past season. Dad and Mom loved watching their grandchildren play sports. They retired in Waco so that they could enjoy Baylor sports, and because it was halfway between grandchildren in Austin and Dallas.

While in Waco, Dad was a member and held various positions with the 75th Flight James Connally Order of Daedalians. Dad attended these monthly war veteran aviator meetings with pride until his passing. Dad has flown his last flight formation to the heavens above.

Dad and Mom were members of First United Methodist Church of Waco, Texas. They loved their church, the members, and pastors. Dad attended faithfully and looked forward to Sunday mornings. Our parents were very proud of the mission work lead by Rev. Wayne Williams. We want to thank Wayne for the loving connection he had with our parents.

Dad loved his family. He gave us love, advice and support in many ways. His grandchildren are Ferrin Ready Decker, Ashley Kyle Ready, Weston Blake Ready, Katherine Allison Ready, Katherine Allison King and Kate King Frye. Son in Laws are Bill Ready and Jeff King. One great-grandchild, Wyatt Blake Ready, will be joining the family very soon.

Dad’s health declined in the past few years. He once said, “It takes a team of caregivers to do the work of your mom.” Bless you, Mom! We could not be more thankful for and are forever grateful to Maria Lopez, Elva Gonzales, Mavy Franco, Melba Wesley, Sandra Gonzales, Jose Lopez, Mary Lopez and Nell Love.

Services for our Dad, Bobby Joe Benge, were held on June 4, 2018, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Drive, Waco, TX, 76712. Visitation started at 9:00 am, and service began at 9:30 am. Dad had a military burial with honors at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, TX, at 2:15 pm. We are at peace knowing our parents are forever united. Everyone was welcome at both services.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to Heart of Texas FCA.

Daughters with eternal love for their parents,

Devlin Benge Ready and Katherine Benge King