MD Benge peacefully passed away at the age of 92 on July 27, 2021 in Hughson, CA. MD was born Oct. 30, 1928 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma to parents Richard and Mae Belle (Asbill) Benge. In 1946 MD’s family moved to Escalon, CA. In 1947 MD enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for three years and served in Occupied Germany among other duty stations.
MD returned to Escalon where he spent most of the next 72 years. He and his loving wife, Yvonne Louise (James) Benge, were married 63 years. They spent the first couple of years of their marriage on Lake Tahoe while MD built a Motel and a cabin. Among MD’s many building skills, he is most remembered as a mason and his most remembered work is the brick fence at Burwood Cemetery Escalon. MD enjoyed many years camping with family, fishing, playing pool with friends, painting pictures, barbecuing, gardening and wood craft such as walking canes for friends. He will be missed, but knowing he is with our Lord and Savior brings us much comfort.
MD is survived by his wife Yvonne; his children Victor Benge, Steven James (stepson), Kevin Benge, Donna (Benge) Park, Melvin Benge, Craig Benge, Rhonda (Benge) Stephens; grandchildren Andrew Benge, Virginia Benge, Sam Benge, Jennifer Benge, Ryan Benge, Jacob Benge, David James, Brian Park, Tracy Park, Michelle Benge, Jared Stephens, Dylan Stephens, Megan Stephens and many great grandchildren; sibling Brenda (Benge) Johnson.
Preceding him in death; his parents, Richard and Mae Belle; his son Dennis Benge, grandson; Justin James, siblings; E.J. Benge, Pauline (Benge) Laughlin, Wanda (Benge) Echols, June (Benge) Tucker and Leon Olen Benge.
The Escalon (Calif.) Leader
Aug. 4, 2021
MD returned to Escalon where he spent most of the next 72 years. He and his loving wife, Yvonne Louise (James) Benge, were married 63 years. They spent the first couple of years of their marriage on Lake Tahoe while MD built a Motel and a cabin. Among MD’s many building skills, he is most remembered as a mason and his most remembered work is the brick fence at Burwood Cemetery Escalon. MD enjoyed many years camping with family, fishing, playing pool with friends, painting pictures, barbecuing, gardening and wood craft such as walking canes for friends. He will be missed, but knowing he is with our Lord and Savior brings us much comfort.
MD is survived by his wife Yvonne; his children Victor Benge, Steven James (stepson), Kevin Benge, Donna (Benge) Park, Melvin Benge, Craig Benge, Rhonda (Benge) Stephens; grandchildren Andrew Benge, Virginia Benge, Sam Benge, Jennifer Benge, Ryan Benge, Jacob Benge, David James, Brian Park, Tracy Park, Michelle Benge, Jared Stephens, Dylan Stephens, Megan Stephens and many great grandchildren; sibling Brenda (Benge) Johnson.
Preceding him in death; his parents, Richard and Mae Belle; his son Dennis Benge, grandson; Justin James, siblings; E.J. Benge, Pauline (Benge) Laughlin, Wanda (Benge) Echols, June (Benge) Tucker and Leon Olen Benge.
The Escalon (Calif.) Leader
Aug. 4, 2021