George Bensheimer

FRANKLIN

George Bensheimer, at the age of 98 years and living in rural Franklin, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016.

Born April 29, 1918, in Boggstown, he was the first born child of Phillip Amos and Hazel America Bensheimer.

He married to his wife of 57 years, Edna Mae Lloyd-Thompson-Bensheimer, on March 29, 1947, at Franklin Memorial Christian Church. She preceded him in death in July of 2004.

George also was preceded in death by a son, William Lloyd Bensheimer; and brothers, Kenneth, Eugene, Robert and Arthur.

He is survived by two sons, Russell Bensheimer of Franklin and James E. “Sonny” Thompson of Fort Myers, Florida; sisters, Frances Johnson and Mary Ann Gray; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Known as G.L. for most of his life, George graduated from Union School in 1937 and served his nation during World War II, participating in two landing invasions (North Africa and Italy), earning two Bronze Arrow Heads in the Army Corps of Engineers.

He spent the duration in Europe building aircraft landing strips for close cover combat aircraft (Africa) and long-range bombers (Italy). His duties took him through several countries across Africa including Tunisia, Algiers and Morocco earning four Bronze Battle Stars for actions to include Kasserine Pass.

Following honorable discharge at Camp Atterbury and getting married, G.L. started a business making concrete block with a close friend and partner and began his contractors excavation business building ponds and lakes for many area farmers. He operated his business for over 50 years, eventually retiring the farm where he was raised.

G.L. was a lifelong member of Franklin Memorial Christian Church, where he served as a deacon for a number of years and also helped out as an assistant scout leader in his sons’ troop. He was also a member of the Franklin American Legion Post 205 and active with the Odd Fellows Fraternal Lodge for several years.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton St. (U.S. 31), in Franklin. The Revs. Larry McAdams and Nelson Lee will conduct a memorial service at noon Tuesday. Internment and military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and the Franklin American Legion Post No. 205 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin.

Online condolences may be received at flinnmaguire.net.