William R. Benner

William R. Benner, age 80, of Ravenna, OH, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Summa Akron City Hospital.

William was born June 9, 1941, in Ravenna, OH, to the late Ralph Benner and Annie (Lewis) Benner.

William was raised in Brady Lake Ravenna, OH. He served his country in the US Army and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, as an MP at the Pearl Harbor Hospital before the Vietnam War. This is where his love of Hawaii started. After being discharged, he met his wife Louise, married in September 1964, and they went on to raise a family in Manchester. After the passing of his wife, he moved back to Brady Lake in Ravenna. He retired from Ametek Lamb Electric in Kent after 53 years, and he was also a part-time Summit County Deputy Sherriff.

William spent his life doing things for other people and giving them whatever they needed, no questions ever asked. He was an “all gas no breaks kind of guy” he never stopped working. He was fortunate enough to take his family to Hawaii three times for an extended holiday, introducing them to the Hawaii he loved. He always had a passion for Hawaiian music, gardening, cooking, a good cheeseburger, wine, cookies, coffee with Baileys, exercising, bike riding, fishing, winning big at the casinos, and spending time with his family and grandkids. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, he owned a silver 1985 Corvette that he cared for like a baby. Later in life, he adopted 11 kittens. Little did they know they hit the kitten jackpot. He acquired nicknames such as “Cat Dad” and “Papa Meow”. He bought a house in Brady Lake, tirelessly working on renovating and updating this house until it was the retirement home his dreams.  One of his favorite accomplishments was serving his country as an Army MP in Honolulu, fondly recalling his time there, where he developed his love of the islands.  Bill Benner was a man that faced many hardships with his family and by himself over the years, no obstacle too great, no trouble too difficult.  Losing most of his vision in 2018, he never got depressed, constantly finding creative ways to help himself navigate his home and take care of his cats. That spirit led his children to refer to him as “Ironman” later in life, never relenting, never giving up.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Benner, brother Edward Morgan Benner and parents. He is survived by his daughter, Denise Livingston (Bill) of New Franklin, Ohio; son, Daniel Benner (Alma) of New Franklin, Ohio; son, David Benner (Lora) of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; grandchildren, Noah, Jake, Casey, Allison, Claire, Emmellee; great-granddaughter, Letty; Nieces, Tammy and Trisha; best friend, Kevin McDonald.

Calling hours will be held 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.  Memorial Service to follow at 7:00 PM, with Pastor Stephen Humphreys of Grace Bible Church officiating.

The family would like to thank the Hospice care team at Summa Akron City Hospital, who provided the care for him at the end of his life and treated him like he was their own father. A special thank you to his friend Hal Lehman who was there for him these last few years helping him with whatever he needed.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of William R. Benner to the Dementia Society of America by mail to PO BOX 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.