Earl Benge 84 of Coal City passed away on December 23, 2009 at Walnut Grove Village in Morris, IL. He was born on April 13, 1925 in Gorman, MO to the Late James and artie May Benge.

He retired from DuPont in Seneca and Pleasant View Luther Home in Ottawa. A Veteran of the United States Marine Corps serving in WW II in the Asiatic Pacific Area of Okinawa, Ryukya Island and occupation of China

He enjoyed woodworking, antique cars, gardening, oil painting and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years June (Anselmo) Benge, daughter Linda (Leonard) Friddle, two grandchildren Shawnna (Donnie) Brantley of Piper City and Leonard Jr. (Mindy) Friddle of Braceville, two great grandchildren Michael and Alyssa Brantley of Piper City, and a sister Lucille Hooper of MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters Lorene Vice, Jesse, Wallace, Richard, James, Harley, Roy, Georgia Hooper, and Fern Cox.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday December 26, 2009 at The Ferrari Funeral Chapel (corner of spring rd. and Ferrari Drive) in Coal City. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of Service at Ferrari Funeral Services interment will follow in Braceville Gardner Cemetery in Braceville. Online guest book at www.ferrarifuneral.com or phone (815) 634-4040 for information.

Pall bears will be Leonard Friddle Jr. Michael Brantley, Gerald Benge, Dennis Benge, Charles Boyd, and Frank Anselmo.

Memorial contributions in Earl's nane to the National Parkinson's Foundation would be appreciated.