Bennett A Bernard

Ben was born April 19, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri with his mother and grandmother.

A 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force, Ben retired as a Senior Master Sergeant and served in the Vietnam War. He continued his dedication to service as a civilian leader, serving as a program manager for the U.S. Air Force, and later as a consultant for Dayton Aerospace—bringing steady leadership and a deep commitment to excellence to each role.

Ben was an avid golfer who also enjoyed traveling, and his lifelong interest in history was matched by a particular passion for all things aviation. A devoted patriot who truly loved his country, he also lived his faith through membership at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Above all else, Ben’s greatest priority was his family; he cherished family gatherings and especially treasured time spent with his grandchildren.

Ben is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joan (Dow) Bernard; children, Mary Proctor, Edward (Michele) Bernard, Stephen (Cindy) Bernard, Andrew (Nija) Bernard, Gregory Bernard, Elizabeth (Stuart) Large, and Joanna (Carl) Slater; 15 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Mary (Matreci) Bernard; and his grandmother, Mary Matreci.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home, Miamisburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 6 S. Third Street, Miamisburg. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.