Kenneth Benner Jr.

Kenneth W. Benner, Jr., 75, of Sutherland, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Southside Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Kenneth W. Benner Sr. and Edna Brothers Benner. Mr. Benner retired from the United States Air Force after 23 years of service, and from Phillip Morris, after 18 years, as an Electrical Engineer. Kenneth was a 53 year Mason. He served as Worshipful Master of Powhatan Starke Lodge No. 124 in 1987, Dinwiddie No. 136 in 1988, Petersburg Lodge No. 15 in 1989, Blandford Lodge No. 3 in 1990, Edwards Lodge No. 308 in 1991 and he served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 29th Masonic District in 1993 and 1994. He was a member of Petersburg Union Royal Arch Chapter No. 7 and served as Most Excellent High Priest in 1989-90. He also served as District Deputy Grand High Priest for the 6th Capitular District. He was a member of Appomattox Commandery No. 6 Knights Templar and served as Eminent Commander in 1987 and 1988, and 1996 and 1997. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Free Masonary. Until his illness, he was a member of Rosicrucian. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Julia M. Benner; daughters, Marilee Nye and husband, Carl; Cynthia Marshall and husband, David all of Dewitt; three grandchildren, Travis Wayne Nye, Kayla Marie Nye, and David Shayne Marshall. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2009 in the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard with the Reverend J. Bruce Catron officiating. Interment to follow in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.