Alton M. Benge, always known as Buddy, passed from this life on Saturday, July 23, 2016 in Brownwood, Texas at the age of 81.
Graveside Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Cleveland Cemetery with his grandson, Landon Collard officiating. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home.
Buddy was born to Charles and Alta (Cheatham) Benge on October 18, 1934, and grew up in the small community of Whon, Texas, graduating from Santa Anna High School. Shortly after graduation, Buddy married his high school sweetheart, Eva Nell Hibbits. Together they had made Santa Anna their home and had three children – Tim, Tammy, and Tracy.
Most of Buddy’s working career was at the 3M plant in Brownwood, retiring in 1995. After the death of his first wife Eva Nell, Buddy married Irma Hyde on February 3, 1972. He immediately considered Irma’s two daughters, Madaline Hampton and Beth Collard, as his own. Irma and Buddy made Brownwood their home.
After the death of his second wife Irma, Buddy married Ollie Ethridge on December 23, 2008. To this marriage 4 children, 3 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren were added.
Buddy loved his family. He was a faithful member of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ. Some of his other interests included various sports and traveling. He especially liked to combine the two and travel to watch the Brownwood Lions play football.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alta Benge; wife, Eva Nell Hibbits Benge; wife, Irma Hyde Benge; daughters, Tammy Bourne, Tracy Benge, and Madaline Hampton; grandson, Brady Collard; 1 brother, Fiern Benge; and 1 sister, Corrine Eubanks.
Buddy is survived by his wife Ollie Benge of Brownwood; son, Tim Benge of Ray, North Dakota; daughter, Beth Collard and husband Phil of Wellington, Texas; son-in-law, Charles Hampton of Buford, Georgia; 4 step-children; 1 brother, Charles Benge and his wife Della of Lubbock; 1 sister, Lanita Bozeman and husband Don of Austin, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Online condolences for the family are welcome atwww.blaylockfunealhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Cherokee Home for Children (Hwy 16 S, Cherokee, TX 76832).