Vernon Clinton Bench left this world on June 3, 2020, at the age of 96. He was born in the Salem Community of Hunt County on April 23, 1924, the son of Marion Arvel and Ada Voyles Bench. He graduated from Greenville High School as a member of the Class of 1941.
In 1942, he married the love of his life, Jewett (Judy) Reeves, and they began living their “happily ever after.” Together they had four sons, 7 grandchildren, and 12great grandchildren. They shared 70 years together before she passed away in 2013. Vernon worked 18 years in the retail business with Bealls, Wards, and as the manager of the Sears and Roebuck. In 1968 he moved into the Real Estate and Insurance business. He began Bench & Co. Real Estate and Insurance, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1984.
He served in many community and business activities, including board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the Director and President of the Hunt County Board of Realtors, and President of the Greenville Lions Club. He was a proud and dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, a member of the Hella Temple Shrine, and served as President of the East Texas Shrine Club.
He is survived by two of his sons, David Bench and wife Karen, Richard Bench and wife Sherry, and is survived by his daughter-in-law Judy Marie Bench, wife of the late Vernon Bench Jr. Vernon Bench Sr. is also survived by two sisters, Leta Money and Martha Dial. He is survived by grandsons Clint Bench and wife Jacqulyn, Sonny Donnaho, Andy Bench and wife Cher, John Michael Bench, Tyson Bench, Richard Fryhover and wife Laura, and granddaughter Amy Bench Miears and husband Brian. Vernon is also survived by 12 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Vernon Bench Jr. and Douglas Alan Bench. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Sybil Burton and Ruth Duncan, and one brother, Arvel Eugene Bench.
Those blessed enough to have known him were forever changed for the better.
Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, June 6, 2020 at Memoryland Memorial Park under the direction of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home. Dr. Matt Beasley will officiate.
Due to Covid-19 and restrictions from the CDC, no visitation is scheduled.
