April 28, 2025

Linn County News

Published April 30, 2025

Paul Dean Benham, age 80, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025. He was born on Sept. 23, 1944, in rural Stockton, Mo., the son of John H. and Ada Mae Lucille West Benham. After graduating from Stockton High School in the Class of 1962, he went to work for Hallmark. Just short of forty years later, he retired from Hallmark and went to work at NAPA in Pleasanton. 

Paul was united in marriage to Genie Harkness on April 10, 1981. He was a member of the Mine Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Pleasanton. He enjoyed hunting, working on cars and car racing. Racing didn't matter if it was dirt track, NASCAR or drag racing. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Dale Benham; a grandson, David; and a stepdaughter, Robyn Lewis. Paul is survived by his wife Genie; a son, Ronald Benham and wife, Lara; two daughters, Paula Rothenberger, and Karesa Benham; a brother, Ralph Benham; a sister, Donna Howerton; stepson, Marcus Lewis; numerous grand, and great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April, 30, 2025, at the Pleasanton Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasanton Mine Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.