Charles H. “Ben” Benfer, III, 77, of Columbia, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018. He was born in Lancaster, son of the late Charles and Margaret Hanley Manuel. He graduated from Columbia High School, where he was president of the Record Club. Ben was a volunteer firefighter, and was crowned “Sir Valentine” in the local parade. He was a veteran serving in the US Navy on the USS Macon, and the USS Vermillion. After his time in the service, he married the late Judith A. “Judy” Benfer, to whom he was married for 54 years, and had three children. Ben was a Supervisor and President of the Union at ITT Grinnell, Corp. where he took care of many families. He was very active in his children’s lives and many others as Coach and President of the Hempfield Black Knight’s Football Association. He loved fishing with his children and grandchildren, and was a loving “Pap” with the kindest heart. His charisma and great story-telling gained Ben many friends throughout his lifetime. He also enjoyed gambling, going to the gym, and out for breakfast with his friends and family in his spare time. Ben and Judy shared and extended their love of family to so many people.
Surviving are his children: Charles H. Benfer, IV; Machele A. Benfer; and Shane M. Benfer. Fourteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. One sister: Margaret Manuel Bachman.
The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Ben and Judy will be Celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry Street, Columbia on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. Visitation from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Private interment for both will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., Inc., Columbia/Mountville. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.