Elder Harold Benman

Benman was born on June 5, 1930, in the tiny town of Scooba, Mississippi , before relocating to Michiana in his teens. His life was centered around his faith and devotion to Christ.

He was the oldest Pastor in Michiana, he led the congregation at Ruth Memorial COGIC for 15 years, preaching the word of God. His teachings did not stop there, he also instilled those Christian values into his 11  children and grandchildren. Those values were not just shown through his words, but also his acts as a good husband, father, grandfather and provider.

Our father worked at Clark Equipment Company, where he was a m aster mechanic and supervisor. Daddy could fix just about anything, which he attributed to God. He was a man that heard from God for his family, which means when he would ask God about something - God would   answer.

Daddy could be strict and demanding, but he also had a sense of humor, (at least some of his grandchildren thought so) and he loved to talk. In his spare time he liked to fish, garden, bake, listen to gospel music and of course read his Bible. It was the simple things that would make him smile.

Pastor Benman was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben Benman and Ida Todd; his wife, Henrietta Benman; siblings: Eddie Lockett, Ollie Benman, Ruby Lee Taylor and Willie Joseph Benman; sons: Robert Lee Benman, Rodney Austin, David Benman and Ivan Benman.

Survivors include three daughters: Pamela and Alana Benman, and Diane Benman Winters; four sons: Bruce, Gregory and Timothy Benman, all of South Bend, Indiana, and Harold Benman Jr., of New Castle, Indiana;    12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

For our father, his life and joy began and has now ended in this world with the Lord.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

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