Gary L. Benge

Gary L. Benge, 85, of Grant, passed away on August 21, 2023, at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant.

Gary was born February 2, 1938, in Wauneta, NE, to Forrest and Fern (Selby) Benge. He attended school in Grant, NE, but moved his senior year and graduated from McCook High School. Upon graduation, he joined the US Navy.

Following his service, Gary returned to Nebraska, where a happenstance visit to the Grant bowling alley led to Gary making the acquaintance of Kay Berryman, who had moved to Grant as a teacher. The two eventually married at the Cozad Christian Church on June 16, 1963.

Gary was both a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Gary and his wife Kay celebrated 60 years of marriage this June with their children and grandchildren, who were his greatest joy. He was a wonderful artist and loved to play a round of golf or a game of cards around the kitchen table with the family. Following his grandchildren to watch them play sports gave him so much joy. He always had his camera nearby and documented every family gathering. He had a wonderful sense of humor, which was evident in his Facebook posts, and always had a story to share.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Colleen Benge; brother-in-law, Rod Berryman.

Survivors include his wife Kay Benge of Grant; his children, Allison (Frank) Alfone of Steamboat, CO, David (Billie Jo) Benge of Imperial, Forrest (Amber) Benge of Alliance; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marcia Coleson, Don Benge, and Cheryl Benge; in-laws, Chuck (Connie) Berryman, and Carol Berryman.

Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Memorial services will be on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the 1st Congregational Church in Grant with Pastor Denise Johnson officiating. Inurnment will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.