Donald Charles Benjamin

Donald Charles Benjamin, of McCook, passed away Saturday, August 18th, 2018 surrounded by his youngest daughter, Kelly, and eldest grandson, Jonathan. He was 83 years old. He went through the McCook School System and graduated from McCook High School in 1953 and would serve his country in the Green Berets Special Forces Army for the next 20 years. He spent two tours in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 1973. He retired as a Major. Don was united in marriage to Shirley Kaye Robbins on October 16th, 1956 in Bad TOlz, Bavarian, Germany where they had met while Shirley was modeling in the Officers Club. Its a wonderful story! The couple was blessed with two daughters, Robin Leigh and Kelly Anne. They made their home in over twenty-three places throughout the U.S. and different parts of Europe. After Dons retirement he and his family decided to make their final home in Colorado where his daughters had made friends previously. After Dons family was settled, and his girls were on their own, he had always dreamed of going back to live in the Sandhills of Nebraska. He first moved to Wauneta and had two dogs Josh and Jill who he dearly loved. After his house fire he decided to look towards Nenzel, Nebraska where he had great neighbors and friends. Don was Catholic and his preferred church was St. Marys in Nenzel, Nebraska. His hobbies included: horseback riding, playing cards, chess, playing the slots, his famous jokes and playing tricks on people, and just being with his friends there. Other life long interests included: fishing, hunting, and target practice. He adopted his beloved dog Missy in Nenzel who was by his side until he was hospitalized. Dons only living daughter took custody of Missy and she is dearly loved. Don found out he had lung cancer and it was extremely devastating to us all. His daughter admired his bravery. He only had a few months to live and was hospitalized for a while but did not want to live the rest of his days in a hospital room. Instead he went to live at an assisted living center in McCook where he lived out the rest of his days with his daughter and other family members who tried to get every food that sounded good to him. Butterfingers were a common request. His daughter Kelly and eldest grandson Jonathan stayed by his bedside on his final night before he passed the next morning. Preceding him in death were his parents, Raymond and Wilma Benjamin; eldest daughter, Robin Benjamin; Ex-Wife, Shirley Kaye Benjamin; his sister, June Davis; Brother in law, Stan Davis; Great Niece, Ashley Davis; Nephew, Mark Benjamin and many Aunts and Uncles, Cousins and Friends. He leaves behind, Missy (his beautiful Australian Cattle Dog); his youngest daughter, Kelly Anne Seibert; son-in-law, Russ Seibert; three grandsons, Jonathan Russell Seibert, Brandon James Seibert, and Bryan Nicholas Seibert. He also leaves behind two brothers, Darrell Benjamin of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lloyd Benjamin and (wife), Elizabeth Benjamin of McCook, and many Nieces, Nephews, and Friends. His adopted daughter, Michelle (Missys vet) and her husband Chris; adopted Grandsons, Eli, and Corbyn, and Granddaughter Ellyana who were family to him and called him Grandpa Don! Boy, I cant tell you how good that made him feel! My Dad was a good man. I will love and miss him until God is ready for me. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Wednesday, August 22, 2018 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Rosary Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Wednesday, August 22, 2018 6:30 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 A wake will be held following the Rosary at Knights of Columbus Hall starting at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial St. Patrick's Catholic Church Thursday, August 23, 2018 10:30 AM 409 East F Street McCook, Nebraska 69001 Graveside Service Fort McPherson National Cemetery Thursday, August 23, 2018 2:30 PM 120047 S Spur 56A Maxwell, Nebraska 69151