Mr. Bennie D. Giddeon

11/20/27 – 1/10/24

Bennie Deverne Giddeon, passed away on January 10th, 2024 at the age of 96. He is survived by his son, Doug (Kay) Giddeon; daughter, Teresa Giddeon; five grandchildren: Spencer (Danielle) Burnham, Skyler Burnham, Marinne (Kevin) Rice, Austin (Katie) Burnham, and Amanda (Wes) Kerr; and 11 great-grandchildren: Joshua Burnham, Emma Burnham, Benjamin Burnham, Jonathan Burnham, Carson Burnham, Theo Burnham, Abel Burnham, Ember Burnham, Rynn Rice, Adalynn Kerr, and Kinley Kerr.

Bennie was born on November 20th, 1927 to Ben and Ada (Gregor) Giddeon. He was born in the small Kansas town of Pendennis, so small that it is no longer on the map. He was the oldest of four children. (His siblings were Bill Giddeon, Wanda Grubb, and Tom GIddeon). In his early years he attended most of his education in a one-room schoolhouse. Later in his childhood, he moved to Arkansas. He only attended a few days of High School. He was told he had to pay bus fare in order to attend school, and he couldn’t afford the bus fare, so he started going to work instead. He worked a few jobs before ending up at the Dold meat-packing plant (later bought by Hormel) where he spent most of his career. Those close to him fondly remember him smelling like bacon after a hard day’s work.

At the age of 26, on November 20th, 1953 he married the love of his life, Doris Giddeon (Reed). They eloped and were married on his birthday. When asked why he decided to get married on his birthday, he would say, “It sounded like a good idea at the time.” Bennie and Doris remained married for over 60 years and lived together happily in Wichita. Bennie worked at Dold/Hormel until he was forced to retire at the age of 70, then he got a job delivering auto parts for Garnett Auto Supply until he turned 80. Bennie remained highly devoted to his wife Doris, even after her death in 2016.

Bennie was a talented handyman, woodworker, and gardener. He loved to fish. He loved the Saint Louis Cardinals. He was always wearing a “cap” (baseball hat) of some sort. He liked sweets and you could frequently find him with a peppermint in his mouth. He had an ornery twinkle in his eye and if you’ve spent any time with him, you probably have a fond memory to share which involves that same ornery twinkle.

Bennie was a pillar of faith in his family, in his work, and in his community, although he didn’t come to his faith until several years into his marriage. He loved the Lord. He was a faithful member of the Riverlawn Christian Church. He started a Bible study at the meat-packing plant. He was always asked to pray over the meal at family get-togethers, even at get-togethers with his wife’s side of the family. He is most assuredly in heaven now, enjoying his time with Jesus, and with his wife, Doris.

Bennie had a kindly and easy-going nature about him. It made him easy to get along with and connect with. He is remembered fondly by many. He is very loved and he will be very missed. We love you, Bennie.

A celebration of his life will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67204.