Robert LeRoy Benham Jr.

Published 11:19 am Tuesday, April 29, 2025

January 2, 1939 – March 8, 2025 – Robert LeRoy Benham Jr. was born in McMinnville, Ore. on January 2, 1939. He started school in Coopville, Wash. where Robert LeRoy Benham Sr. was athletic director for the Naval Airbase. Moving to Portland, LeRoy continued his first grade at Kerns Elementary and then to Washington High School. LeRoy came to trust Jesus at a Billy Graham crusade when he was 10 years old.

In 1956, Paula entered Good Samaritan School of Nursing and attended First Friends Church where LeRoy’s family attended. LeRoy took notice and applied for work as an orderly at Good Samaritan. He served three years of alternate service as a conscientious objector. KeRoy and Paula were engaged during their time at Good Sam and married on June 19, 1959. During 65 years together they had many rich experiences.

LeRoy and Paula joined West Chehalem Friends Church in 1961 where they have attended ever since. Their five children received excellent training from dedicated Sunday School teachers. LeRoy served in many roles through those years. His favorite was the Sunday School class for first -third grades and secondly for fourth- sixth grades.

He died on March 8, 2025. His Celebration of Life service will be held on May 10, 2025at 1pm at West Chehalem Friends Church.

He was survived by his wife Paula of 65 years and their children Rebecca Currans; Tim Benham (Karen); Rachel Allen (Paul Allen d.); Elizabeth Barr ( Michael); Deborah Jamieson (Robert); 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.