Frank Ellis Benham

Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2011 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport with burial in Thomas Cemetery. Family will receive friends 1-2 p.m. Monday before the service at the funeral home.

Rev. Larry Cox will officiate. Pallbearers include Ellis Benham, Rob Ratliff, Dylan Benham, Colt Langford, Adam Benham, and Rusty Benham.

Ellis was born on August 10, 1925 to Clyde and Mary (Carnes) Benham in Hamlin, Texas. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for 2 1/2 years as a radioman and was stationed in Guam. Ellis was united in marriage to Peggy Lemens on December 27, 1952 in Glen Rose, Texas. He went to Weatherford Jr. College then North Texas University where he earned his Masters Degree. Ellis taught in Glen Rose, El Dorado, Weinert, Weatherford Jr. College, and Lon Morris Jr. College. He was a teacher then principal at Byers and a counselor at Henrietta. Ellis was a superintendent at Bellevue for 7 years and later moved to Bridgeport where he counseled at Bridgeport High School and retired in 1988. He was in education for 37 years.

Ellis was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Stanley, Gailord, and Kenneth Benham; his sisters, Vera Profitt, Myrtle Hester Evatt, Marie Maddox, and Vada Lisenbee.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Peggy Benham of Bridgeport; his sons, Craig Benham and wife Phyllis of Bridgeport, Steve Benham and wife Tammy of Henrietta, and Lonny Benham and wife Rita of Bridgeport; his daughter, Treva Byrne and husband Jimmy of Iowa Park; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Hawkins Funeral Home, Bridgeport, Texas, 940-683-2211

--------------------------------------------------------

To the family of Ellis Benham,

My memories of Mr. Benham are of a kind man who genuinely cared about the students at Bellevue. He touched so many lives and inspired many to better themselves. The world is dimmer with Mr. Benham's passing. My prayers are with you as you travel this difficult road.

God Bless You,
Janis (Allison) Stanley

-----------------------------------------------------------

Peggy and family,

So sorry that you are having to deal with this, especially this time of year. But there is never a good time to pass. I'm glad he is no longer in pain. My condolences to all of you, for myself and the boys. All of you will always be in my heart.

Wendy Beard

----------------------------------------------------------

God bless you all in your time of sorrow! In my mind and heart, we are still family, and I am saddened by the loss of such a dear man! May your hearts be comforted and may God strengthen you all in the days to come.

Love and prayers always,

Joni Benham Drullinger

---------------------------------------------------------