Paul William Benz

Paul William Benz, of Indianapolis, passed away August 5, 2023, at the age of 102. He was born April 27, 1921 in Indianapolis to the late Otto M. and Bertha D. (Meyer) Benz. As a youngster, he took saxophone lessons and by the age of 13, performed at his first concert in Noblesville, where he was paid $1.50. He joined the Musician’s Local #3 at age 16. He was baptized at Emerson Avenue Baptist Church. He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1939, and attended Wabash College for two years. Paul was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. While in the Army, he attended Syracuse University where he graduated with a degree in Engineering. He was also Bandmaster of the Army band at Syracuse University. He was then sent overseas with his degree and as a radio operator in the 12th Armored Tank Division in France. World War II ended and he was honorably discharged in 1945. After returning from the war he worked as an electrical Engineer at Sanborn Electric for 40 years, and he retired as Vice President in 1982. His big project was installing the electrical work for Assembly Hall at IU in Bloomington. Paul played the saxophone and clarinet in several dance bands in the Indianapolis area during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Paul was an active member of Northside Sertoma Club, the Masonic Lodge of Indianapolis, Murat Shrine, and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Indianapolis (60 years). He was an avid golfer, bridge player, fisherman, and IU Basketball fan. He traveled to many National parks and historical sites. Paul also vacationed in Canada and Florida. While in high school, Paul met his wife, Norma H. Bell. They married November 15, 1941 at Garfield Baptist Church and began their lives together in an apartment on Washington Street. They were happily married for 55 years when she passed away in 1996. He later married Betty (Busch) Benz in 2002. They were married for 20 years until her death in 2022. In addition to his parents and Norma, Paul was also preceded in death by his son, Douglas Benz; four brothers, Otto Benz, Jr., Robert Benz, William Benz, and James Benz. Paul is survived by his daughters: Janis (Paul) Antrobus and Joyce (Jim) Bennett; 7 Grandchildren, Bethan Bennett, Jeff (Sharon) Bennett, Jennifer (Tom) Cox, Devin (Elizabeth) Bennett, Andrea (Ben) Wilkins, Allison (Brent) Baker, and Wesley (Carrie) Antrobus; 15 Great grandchildren, and 3 Great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 11-12 PM followed by a service at 12:00 PM at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Paul will be laid to rest next to Norma at a private service in Washington Park East Cemetery. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Forum at the Crossing staff for their many years of support for Paul. Contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church, 8600 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.