- Date Of Birth: October 26, 1939
- Date Of Death: March 12, 2009
- State: Illinois
Darrell E. Benjamin, 69, of Meredosia, died Thursday, March 12, 2009, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. He was born Oct. 26, 1939, in Dix, the son of Carroll and Bernice Simmons Benjamin. He married Judy Ruyle on Aug. 23, 1980, in Meredosia and she survives.
He is also survived by six sons and one daughter, Darrell (wife, Amy) Benjamin, Jr. of Mascoutah, Glenn Benjamin (fianc©, Cindy Murray) of Odin, Michael Benjamin of St. Louis, Brandy Benjamin (fiancé, Mike Hamilton) of Meredosia, Billy (wife, Gail) Ham of Quincy, and Troy (wife, Sandy) Ham and Ronnie (wife, Janeen) Ham, both of Chambersburg; eight grandchildren; and seven brothers and sisters, Irvin Benjamin of Dix, Phyllis Morton of Lighthouse Point, FL., Albert Benjamin of Salem, Sharon Garrison of Festus, MO., Carolyn Abshier of Kinmundy, Rose Porter of Sebring, FL. and Richard Hopkins of Salem.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Dwight Hopkins; one brother, James Benjamin; and one sister in infancy.
Mr. Benjamin retired from Valley Improvement Construction Company. He was very passionate about Meredosia, serving as Mayor from 1997 to 2001 and on the Village Board from 1977 to the present. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
