Jerry Benefiel

Jerry D. Benefiel, 74, of Greenwood, passed from this life on Friday, June 22, 2018, in Greenwood Health & Rehab. The youngest of six children, he was born in Elwood, on April 18, 1944, to the late Wayne L. and Winifred C. (Barrett) Benefiel. A 1962 graduate of Anderson High School, Jerry honorably served his country in the United States Army. A past member of the UAW Local #211, he was a reputable employee at General Motors for many years, where he deservingly retired on January 1, 1997. His current memberships include the Indianapolis American Legion Post #0711 and Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic Church. Known for telling stories and sharing history, Jerry was quick to engage in conversation and had a knack for socializing. With a mix of fate and a splash of luck, his life became sweeter in the early autumn of 1973. Pursuing a woman that he met on a blind date, smooth-talking Jerry just needed a few months before he was united in marriage with Patricia (Brady) Bowles. Entrusting his hand and entire heart to Pat, he eagerly converted to Catholicism and along with his daughter, he became the proud and loving father to all four of his children. Possessing an outgoing, friendly, fun and happy demeanor, he was passionate about animals, nature and he embraced the outdoors. Although he was an experienced jokester and excelled in the department of teasing and tormenting, Jerry Benefiel was a humble man who laughed often and never frowned. He was deeply loved by his family and he will be greatly missed. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Greg Bowles Benefiel and brothers, Don, Bob, Jack and Melvin Benefiel. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Pat (Brady) Bowles Benefiel of Greenwood; children, Debbie Hobbs (husband, Murv) of Florida, John Bowles Benefiel of Broad Ripple and Misty Alexander (husband, Chris) of Ft. Meyers, Florida; sister, Janice Merrill (husband, Donald) of Tipton; grandchildren, Brady, Noah, Deadra, Derek, JP and Riley and great grandchildren, Alexa and Malakai ; in-laws, Dennis Brady (wife, Sue) of Wingate and Matthew Brady (wife, Carol) of Wausau, Wisconsin. Family and Friends will gather to Celebrate Jerry’s Life from 11am, on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish, 335 S. Meridian Street. A Memorial Mass will begin at 1:00pm and Military Honors presented by the Mooresville Honor Guard will conclude the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Greenwood Church or to Johnson County Humane Society. Funeral & Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, Monrovia. To share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry please visit www.lightmemorial.com.

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Jerry Benefiel

April 18, 1944 - June 22, 2018