Dr. David Ervin "Bopo" Benz

Dr. David Ervin "Bopo" Benz, of Longwood, FL, passed to eternity Sunday, July 17, 2016, on his 60th birthday, after a courageous battle with ALS. Son of Ervin and Mildred "Micki" Benz, David had a lifelong passion for music and was gifted in sharing the joy it brought to him with others. David received his Bachelors Degree from Southwest Baptist University, his Masters from the University of Kansas, and his Doctorate from the University of Missouri. He was considered a master teacher and conductor who modeled the highest levels of artistry. His legacy remains in the lives of the countless number of students, colleagues, and audiences he inspired. He was preceded in passing by his father, Ervin Eugene Benz, and sister, Carol Miller. David is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Benz; mother, Mildred "Micki" Benz; children, Sarah Benz, Jonathan Benz (Teresa), and Derek Benz (fiancé, Shelby); brother, Mark Benz (Rhonda); sisters, Melody Benz and Merrilee Nightingale (Jerry); step-daughters, Elise, Beth Ann, and Grace Haenni; grandchildren, Luke, Austin, Laekyn, Emma, Ariana, Miles, Ryker, Mira, Marley, and Crosby; and Tyler, Sophia, Emma, and Kate Haring, who were like grandchildren to him. Memorial Contributions can be made to the ALS Association of Central Florida in memory of David at https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/Donation2;jsessionid=CBA3DC448351165F9FF9410A96160C3F.app297b?df_id=34501&34501.donation=form1.