William Benedict

WILLIAM JAMES BENEDICT, JR.

William James Benedict, Jr., age 54, of Kahoka, MO, died unexpectedly Saturday, March 31, 2012 at his home.

Bill was born February 21, 1958 at Keokuk, IA, a son of William James, Sr. and Sharon Rose McKay Benedict.

He was the father of Billie. He later married Patty Morrison and they were the parents of Joshua, Andrew, Kevin and Emily during their ten-year marriage. He later became the father of James.

Survivors include four sons: Joshua and his wife, Cara Gorrell-Benedict of Keokuk, IA, Andrew and his wife, Ariel Benedict of Keokuk, IA, Kevin Benedict of Wayland, MO and James Gorham of Hamilton, IL; two daughters, Billie Farvour of Conway, SC, and Emily Benedict of Kahoka, MO; nine grandchildren: Joshua Damon, Jr., Darien Hives, Fiona Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez, Dason Cooper, Terry Jo Symmonds, and Rukia, Alice and Audrina Benedict; three brothers: Steve (Debbie) Benedict of Taylor, MO, Benjamin Benedict of Chicago, IL and Scott St. Clair of Canton, MO; six sisters: Brenda Osbon of Kahoka, MO, Crystal Burchette of Waterloo, IA, Jessica (Mrs. Leroy) Kingcade of Clio Springs, OK, Mary McCracken of Wayland, MO, Kellie Cossman of Jefferson, TX and Karen Benedict of Montrose, IA; aunts and uncles: Joe Benedict of Edina, MO, Ed Benedict of Fairfield, IA, Jackie Winn of Keokuk, IA, Vesta Todd of Cedar Rapids, IA, John Baxter of Keokuk, IA, Bill McKay of Cedar Rapids, IA, Shirley Jean Lillard of Keokuk, IA, Linda Curtis of Keokuk, IA, and Kathy Kaplan of Cedar Rapids, IA; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Kevin and sister, Susan.

Bill graduated from Wyaconda High School and was a U. S. Navy Veteran.

He worked on barges for Canton Marine and Towing for many years and by chance, his youngest son, James, works on the same barge today. He was a self-employed carpenter who could build anything out of everything. He enjoyed fishing with friends and family whenever possible. He had been retired for several years due to his health.

Bill was talented in so many ways, he was creative and produced beautiful paintings and was well-known for his musical abilities, especially on his banjo.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with words of comfort by Owen Havens. Burial with military rites was in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.

Memorials were suggested to the family.