Gary Max Benda, 80, died Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.
He was born in Alliance on April 20, 1934 to Walter F. and Mildred (Newman) Benda. He attended elementary school in Hemingford and graduated from Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis in 1953. He also attended McCook College where he excelled in football.
On October 22, 1954 he married Claudia Maret. The following January he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he spent the next two years.
Gary was a lifetime farmer and rancher and took pride in being a good steward of the farm and was proud of his herd of gentle Angus cattle. He enjoyed traveling and saw many parts of the world. He enjoyed all sports especially football.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion and the B.P.O. Elks Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia, his son, Randy and wife, Kerry Benda of Alliance, his daughter, Tonya and husband Doug Thomas of Gering, his grandchildren, Alyshia Benda, Shayla Sylvester, Kelsey Sylvester, Maria Thomas and Jake Thomas.
Funeral services will be Monday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel. Pastor Tom Lucas will officiate. Burial with military honors will be at the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com