Arthur Lester Benner, of Jefferson, passed away Feb. 28 at Togus Veterans Affairs Center following a long illness.
He was born in Waldoboro on Dec. 17, 1923, the son of the late Howell and Roxanna (Mank) Benner.
Mr. Benner served honorably during WW II with battles and campaigns in Normandy, Central Europe, Northern France, Rhineland and Ardennes. Arthur was very proud to have served his country.
He retired from the State of Maine, Department of Motor Vehicles after 20 years of service. He took great pleasure in his family and his hobbies of woodworking and gardening and also his constant companion, Shadow, his beloved dog.
Mr. Benner was a lifetime member, past commander and county commander, of the American Legion Post 198 in Jefferson until it disbanded. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion, Charles C. Lilly Post 149 in Waldoboro, lifetime member of the Farrar-Ross Post 9437 VFW in Washington, later transferring to the Soule Shurman Memorial Post 4525 in Waldoboro, a member of the DAV in Augusta, member of the Jefferson Fire Department, and the Sno Packers snowmobile club of Jefferson and served on many town committees in Jefferson as well.
He was a lifetime member of Riverside Lodge 135 AF&AM in Jefferson serving as trustee and treasurer for many years and was a member of Mount Olivet Lodge 203 in Washington.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Reinald H. Benner; and a sister, Lydia Boynton.
Arthur will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years, Hilda (Brown) Benner as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A private military service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memory donations may be made in Arthur’s memory to Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330.
Arrangements are with Lawry Brothers Funeral Home-Gray Chapel, 207 Windsor Neck Rd., Windsor, ME 04363, (800) 660-2111.
Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com