Norman Benteman

Norman Roy "Benny" Benteman, 91, Topeka, formerly of Concordia, MO, passed away Monday, May 10, 2010 at his home. He was born February 12, 1919, near Cleburn, Kansas to Fritz and Erma (Kipp) Benteman and grew up near Frankfort, Kansas. On March 6, 1946 he married Myrene Norfleet in Jefferson City, Missouri. She became his guardian angel on November 4, 2004 after 58 years of marriage. They were blessed with two children, Barry (Mona) Benteman of Tecumseh and Barbara (Eric) Nordgren of Topeka; six grandsons; 1 granddaughter; three great granddaughters and four great grandsons.He was preceded in death by siblings Joe Benteman, Jimmy Benteman, Erma Benteman Mondt, Susie Benteman Parmentier and Fritz Benteman. There are four surviving brothers and four surviving sisters, Frank (Ann) Benteman, Lee (JoAnn) Benteman, Milton (Kathy) Benteman, George (Karen) Benteman, Mabel (Bill) Beem, Bertha (Fred) Epperson, Martha (George) Mullins and Florence Kennedy.
Benny graduated from the University of Kansas in 1951 with a bachelor of science in Pharmacy. Together, he and Myrene owned and operated Central Drug Store in Concordia, MO for 30 years, retiring in 1984. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He saw combat in the Southern Pacific area as a 1st Lt., 112th Cavalry Regiment. He was a licensed Pharmacist over 50 years; a member of Missouri Pharmacy Association, from which he received the bowl of Hygeia Award,; Concordia V.F.W. where he served as a commander; Concordia American Legion; Concordia Bank Board of Directors Emeritus in Concordia, MO; Concordia School Board for 7 years; Concordia Industrial Development Board President and other positions; Concordia Civic Club; Concordia Fall Festival Board; Concordia United Fund; Concordia Chamber of Commerce; past Lions Club President as well as holding other positions; Bethel United Church of Christ where he was council and president. Benny moved to Topeka in 2004.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 17, 2010 at Topeka Bible Church, Topeka, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Benny will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will greet friends from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. that evening. A memorial service will be held at Bethel United Church of Christ in Concordia, Missouri in the near future. Memorial contributions may be given to the Concordia Lion's Club or the organization of the donor's choice.