Samuel Benner Jr.

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MIFFLINTOWN - Samuel Benner Jr., 83, of RR 2, Mifflintown, died Sunday, May 17, 2009, at his home.

Born Nov. 7, 1925, in Van Wert, he was a son of the late Samuel Sr. and Mary (Adams) Benner.

He is survived by: his wife, Evelyn (Graybill) Benner, whom he married Oct. 6, 1946; three children, Frederick S. Benner and wife, Kim of HC 63, Mifflintown, Sally B. Pry and husband, Rodney, of HC 63, Mifflintown, and Michael S. Benner and wife, Amy, of Loysburg; one brother, Wilbur W. Benner and wife, Jane, of Chambersburg; one sister, Evelyn Davis, of Thompsontown; eight grandchildren, James D. Benner, Ryan L. Pry, Shena M. Fodor, Samantha R. Soccio, Eleanor G. Benner, Emily S. Benner, Aaron M. Benner, and Christopher E. Benner; and two great-granddaughters, Emma B. Schademan and Adison M. Fodor.

He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Lillian Fogleman, Louella Phillips, Miles R. Benner, Melvin L. Benner and Reba Holley.

He was a life-long dairy farmer, a sealer of weights and measures in Juniata County, and a field assistant for the Farm Service Agency.

Sam belonged to Free Spring Church of the Brethren where he was very active and served as a lifetime deacon. He was a member of Gideons International.

He was a former Juniata County School Board member and Fermanagh Township Supervisor. He served with the Juniata County Planning Commission for 32 years, was a Juniata County 4-H Beef Club leader for 30 years, a member of the Land O'Lakes Dairy Cooperative for 55 years and was on the Penn State Extension Juniata County Executive Committee for many years.

Sam was involved with People to People Agricultural Tours to Russia and China and was a founding member of Central PA World Hunger Association.

He enjoyed hunting, cutting wood and spending time with his grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 21 at Free Spring Church of the Brethren, RR 2, Mifflintown, with the Rev. Terry Smith officiating. Interment will be in the Lost Creek Mennonite Cemetery.

There will be a viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Guss Funeral Home, 20 S. Third Street, Mifflintown, and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice: The Bridge, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044 or to Free Spring Church of the Brethren Building Fund, RR 2, Box 1335, Mifflintown, PA 17059.