Lester Herbert McBenge of Steelville, Missouri passed away Friday, March 9, 2012 at Gibbs Care Center in Steelville at the age of 79 years. He was born January 2, 1933 in Cuba, Missouri to Cecil McBenge and Lola Stulce McBenge. On March 19, 1985, he was united in marriage to Mary Imajean Pyatt who preceded him in death on March 10, 2011.

Lester served honorably in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years and retired in 1971.  After retirement from the service, he worked in food management until 1982. He served as alderman for the city of Steelville Ward 1 during May 2003 to April 2004. His hobbies included fishing, hunting and coin collecting. He and Mary enjoyed traveling and took many trips.

He was a member of the First Bapitst Church of Steelvile and the V.F.W. of Steelville.

He is survived by his two daughters Leslie McBenge of West Plains, MO and Brigitte Unger of Freeport, Florida; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary McBenge; eight brothers Don, Ed, George, James, Lawrence (his twin), Bill, Ralph and Phillip McBenge; and sister Bernice Decker and husband Jim.

The Family received friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.

A funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Rev. Kevin Farr officiating. Special music of "Go Rest High" and a medley of songs was sung by Bob and Carol Coleman.

Committal prayer and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery with Full Military Honors from the U.S. Air Force and Patriot Guard.

Honored to be casket bearers were Howard Bilbrey, Art Cook, Bill Freeman, Jim Barksdale and Terry England..

The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.