Robert Glenn Benner

Robert, or Bob as he liked to be called, married the love of his life, Marcelena Mattocks, December 30, 1950. This past December they would have celebrated their 75th year of marriage.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Marcelena Benner, Parents, Glenn and Floydine Benner, sisters Althea Linsenmayer and Frances Wilson, brother John Benner, son Michael Benner, grandchildren Enos Benner, Kristen Benner, great granddaughter Sadie Ladd.

He is survived by his children David (Terry) Benner, Brenda (Gary) Ladd, Linda Benner, Stephen (Stephanie) Benner, Marcy (Eric) Sotelo, daughter-in-law Sharon Benner, and sister-in-law Joyce Cate.

Grandchildren: Ammon, Sarah, John, Josh, James, Rebecca, Austin, Ryan, Dustin, Derek, Drew, and Ryah.

He and his wife were also blessed with 18 great grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews.

Robert spent his early years in Ohio, growing up just blocks from Lake Erie. He enjoyed playing with his lead soldiers, watching baseball, sledding, playing with friends and picking fruit from the family trees for his dad’s much-loved pies.

When his family moved to Ocean City, NJ, he lived the island life including boating, crabbing, spending time on the beach, and riding his bike around the island. Woodshop, along with following the latest trends in automobiles were his passions in high school as well as playing the lead in his senior play. Hand delivering messages for Western Union provided good money on a part time basis.

Upon graduation from high school, Bob joined the Army Air Force shortly before its transition to the Department of the Air Force. During the Korean conflict, he was sent to Randolph Field prior to being sent overseas with the rest of his group but was held back by his superiors for reasons he would find out about a few months later.

In the military, Bob was known for his ability to find root causes for problems on aircraft and for attention to detail. Those in command kept him in the States to work on top-secret developmental aircraft. His parents called him asking him what was going on when not only his parents, but also all their friends were visited by the FBI as part of his security clearance for the project.

While in the Air Force, Robert met Denny Mattocks, who introduced his sister Marcelena to him. The rest is history! They would go on to have a double wedding.

Upon his discharge from military service, he began a career that would see him in sales and service of high-end corporate electronics, metrology, designing and building test equipment, quality control in general business, military, and medical applications with companies such as Tektronix, Vero, Intermedics, and others. His name and photo are still in the Vintage TEK Museum in Beaverton, Oregon. Quality control and great customer service were his highest priorities.

He enjoyed collaborating with John’s Hopkins to develop a new technology for prosthetic devices as well as working on other patented technologies connected to other industries. At age 80, he accepted an assignment by the company he retired from to be their liaison to one of the major oil companies In Prudoe Bay, Alaska. He was one of the few familiar with the technology needed to repair their electronic equipment. He thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and the trip itself!

Though he was challenged by and enjoyed his work, Bob preferred spending time with his family. He was so proud of each of them. When not travelling, you would find him walking babies, helping with math homework, reading, fixing broken toys, holding bikes while his children were learning to ride, taking his children to the park or pool and whatever else he could do to give his wife some relaxation time. On occasion he would measure their electrical resistance and show them what it looked like on one of his machines.

Robert gave his life to Jesus at Magnolia Temple at the age of 40, under pastor Dr. Lovell. He was so eager to get baptized after his public profession of faith that he didn’t want to wait a week for them to clean the baptistry… he was baptized right then and there; cold water, leaves, and all!

The word that comes to mind when his family thinks of him is as a man who lived a life of honor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.