Donald Benjamin

Niles – Donald Raymond Benjamin, 88, passed away at 11:05pm on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in his home.

Donald was born on January 5, 1929 in Buchanan, MI to the late Walter L. and Sophia M. (Hall) Benjamin. Donald was married to the late, Helen Cole from 1949 to 1971. Their surviving children are William Benjamin, of Niles, Patricia (Robert) Benjamin Kenney, of Niles, Beverly (Dennis) Benjamin Smith, of Buchanan, and Linda (William) Horner Stinnett of Cassopolis. Deceased children are Sharon (Jimmy) Benjamin Seal Kaufman, and Michael Benjamin. One sister, Edith Benjamin O’Konski is the only surviving sister. Donald grew up with two half-sisters, Pearl Morrison West Dinges, and Helen Morrison Stewart Heubner; and half-brother, Ernest Morrison; one brother, John Benjamin; and sister, Elizabeth Benjamin Fadder, all deceased. Also surviving of extended family are half-sisters, Marguerite Benjamin Graves, Helen Benjamin, and Elizabeth Benjamin along with half-brother, Albert Benjamin. One half-brother, Walter Benjamin, Jr., is deceased as well as step-sister, Rose Benjamin Allen; and step-brother, Paul Benjamin, who were also the children of Florence Benjamin, who is now decease.

In 1971, Donald married Virginia M. Boren and helped raise many of her grandchildren and foster children. Together they touched the lives of many people in the Niles and South Bend community. Donald is survived by many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Donald and Virginia enjoyed raising Pekingese dogs and he said good-bye to his beloved dog, Spike in 2013. Donald was a truck driver most of his life and drove for companies such as Tucker Freight Line, Bender-Loudan, and eventually retired from Chi-Can in 1992. Donald was a hardworking man and enjoyed helping others with rides to appointments and would get up and go in the middle of the night when called to do so. He spent his last days in the assisted living home of Sara Herzburg and will be missed by Sara & family as well as Lynn, Lou, and Marilyn at his home. In 2012, Donald recommitted his life to Jesus Christ and attended First Church of Christ (Christian) in Niles till he could no longer attend.

Visitation is 2:30pm to 4pm on Thursday, November 9, 2017 in HALBRITTER WICKENS FUNERAL HOME, 615 E. Main St., Niles. A Funeral Service will begin at 4pm in the Funeral Home with Pastor Derek Cromwell of First Baptist Church in Berrien Springs officiating.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.halbritterwickens.com.