Obituary of George Thomas Benge

George Thomas Benge March 27, 1928 - January 13, 2011 Funeral services for George T. Benge, 82, of Lovington, NM will be held on Monday, January 17, 2011 at 10:00 am at Hillcrest Baptist Church with Bro. Mack McCarthick officiating. Burial will follow at Lovington cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. Mr. Benge was born on March 27, 1928 in Levelland, Texas to Cecil O. and Ima (Melton) Benge and passed away at his residence on January 13, 2011. He married Donna Joyce Raper in Lovington on March 24, 1951. He was a farmer and after retiring from the agriculture business, he became very interested in restoring antique engines and tractors. He was a member of SPARTA, an antique tractor organization. He enjoyed hunting when he was younger and was a hard worker. He was a very observant and bright man and took pride in the responsibility he felt of making sure that his three children were educated and were college graduates. He was a long time member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Melton Benge and one sister, Linda Sue Espinosa. He is survived by his wife, Donna, of the home, one son: Steve Benge and wife Loretta D. Milligan of Hobbs, NM; two daughters: Ava Benge of Lovington and Debbie and husband Bert Frost of Odessa, TX; one brother: Benny and wife Barbara Benge of Lovington and one sister: Ima Tarry of Fairview, Missouri. Also surviving him are four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 220 West Ave I, Lovington, NM 88260 or the The New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, Box 629, Portales, NM 88130. Visitation will be Sunday, January 16, 2011 from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm.