- Date Of Birth: October 17, 1940
- Date Of Death: January 31, 2021
- State: Illinois
Donald Benjamin, 80, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Fireside Nursing Home in Centralia. Donald was born October 17, 1940 in Centralia, the son of Willard Benjamin and Hazel (Stewart) Benjamin. He married Mary Ann Higgins and they later divorced. Donald married Shirley Bierman on October 2, 1971 and she preceded him in death in November of 2008. Donald is survived by three sons: Danny Benjamin and wife Vicky of Centralia, Gary Benjamin and wife Kathy of Salem, and Kenneth Benjamin and wife Julie of Kell; one daughter: Penny Knepp of Kell; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents: Willard and Hazel Benjamin; his wife Shirley Benjamin; one son: Brad Benjamin; and two brothers: Gerald Benjamin and Jerry Benjamin. Donald worked for the Illinois Central and Canadian Northern Railroad for 40 plus years. He served as the former Village Clerk and Mayor of Walnut Hill. He was an outdoors man. He enjoyed spending his time deer hunting, fishing, and also finding and collecting Native American arrow heads and artifacts. He especially loved to spend time with his grandkids. He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.
