George A Benlehr

George A. Benlehr, 98, of Wilmington, Ohio passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio.  His wife, Anna Lucille Benlehr, preceded him in death January 7, 2010.  They were married on November 15, 1952.  He was born June 16, 1925 in Wilmington, Ohio, son of the late Frederick Benlehr and Jessie Sliker Benlehr.  He was a graduate of Wilmington High School and Wilmington College.

Mr. Benlehr served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart.  During his career, he worked at various places including the U.S. Post Office in Dayton and at Yellowstone National Park.  He eventually retired from Wilmington College where he worked in the maintenance department for several years.  George was an avid antique collector and enjoyed being outdoors.  He had been a member of American Legion Post 49.

Mr. Benlehr is survived by three daughters, Sandra Kay (Bruce) Cornett of Wilmington, Ohio, Judy Spurlock of Clarksville, Ohio, and Teresa Benlehr of Wilmington, Ohio; his grandchildren, Christopher Cornett of Wilmington, Ohio, Stephanie K. (Terri) Bennington of Bellbrook, Ohio, Kenneth (Rachelle) Spurlock of Clarksville, Ohio, Allisee (Richard) Moore of Goshen, Ohio, Carisa (Jerry) West of Martinsville, Ohio, Jason Benlehr of Arizona, Jeremy Benlehr of Arizona, Seana Benlehr of Arizona, and Josh Benlehr of Arizona; his great-grandchildren, Lucas Cornett, Lauren Cornett, Tyler Crutchleo, Abbigail Crutchleo, Geoffrey Crutchleo, Cheyanne Krohn, Michael Krohn, Quintin Spurlock, Gryphon Farris, Freya Moore, Austin West, and his great-grandchildren in Arizona; as well as several great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Edward Allen Benlehr, two sisters, Jenny West and Rosemary Hovatter, and a grandson, Matthew Cornett.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Smith Funeral Home, 327 N. South Street, Wilmington, Ohio.  A funeral service with Chaplain Paul Butler officiating will begin at 12:00 Noon, Thursday.  Burial will follow in Clinton County Memory Gardens with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 49 Honor Guard. 

If desired, contributions in George’s memory may be made to the American Legion Post 49, 140 E. Locust St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

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