Valgene Benker

Valgene "Gene" Benker went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 1, 2021.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Friedens United Church of Christ of Washington with Reverend Glen Schoeneberg officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Gene was born on July 5, 1944 to Fritz and Clara Benker in Brenham, Washington County, Texas.

He graduated from Brenham High School in 1962. He then studied at Blinn Junior College for two years and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1966 with a Bachelors in Business.

Gene joined the Army in 1966 as a First Lieutenant and served in the Vietnam War. He was awarded numerous medals including a Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat and a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. He held many positions and was an Adjutant and Company Commander when he was honorably discharged in 1969.

Gene built and co-owned Diamond Fiberglass Fabricators in Victoria, Texas. He retired in 2004 and took up woodworking as a hobby. He also enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR, and the Dallas Cowboys. Most importantly, he spent lots of quality time with his family.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Fritz and Clara Benker.

He is survived by wife Janice; son Chad Sanford, daughter-in-law Tiffany, and grandsons Sage and Skyler; daughter Christin Gonzales, and grandchildren Aidan, Gavin, and Brooklyn; siblings Lanell Langford and Larry Benker; sister-in-law Rose Benker; nephews Michael Langford, Chad Benker, and David Benker; and numerous family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association or any Veteran's organization and/or Friedens United Church of Christ.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.