Robert Edward Benjamin, Sr.

Robert Edward Benjamin, Sr. of Battle Creek passed away October 16, 2023.

Bob was born in Battle Creek on February 2, 1944, to Lovina (Videto) and Ernest E. Benjamin. In 1967, he took over the family printing business, The Benjamin Press. He served his community as a board member of the Battle Creek Exchange Club, the TB and Emphysema Association, the Goodwill Industries of Battle Creek, a board member of the Battle Creek Child Guidance and Adult Clinic and was treasurer for eighteen years of the Alano Club of Battle Creek. He enjoyed camping, bicycle and motorcycle riding, cross-country skiing, and going to Lake Michigan, Chicago, and his Happy Place in Pokagon State Park.

Bob was preceded in death by a daughter Roberta Jean in 1962; son Timothy Scott in 1988; father Ernest E. Benjamin in 1991; mother Lovina M. Benjamin in 2009; brother John Edward Benjamin in 1935; brother-in-law Ralph Benedict in 2021; former wife Janice Emmons in 2018; fiancée Patricia Ann Centilla in 2022; and great-granddaughter Nevaeh Benjamin in 2015. He is survived by his sister Beverly Benedict; sister-in-law Jeanette (Joseph) Padrenaggio; sons Todd (Connie) Benjamin and Robert E. Benjamin, Jr.; daughters Lea (Ron) Winans, Lara (Lane) Isaacs, Jodi (Rich) Trimble; grandchildren Brandon (Michelle) Benjamin, Joshua Benjamin, Tyler Benjamin, Samantha (Ben) Buell, Skylar Trimble, RJ Winans, Josiah Winans, Zebulun Winans; great-grandchildren Ariana Benjamin, Brian Jones, Jacob Jones, Faith Jones, Hunter Benjamin, Savannah Benjamin; nieces and nephews, Denise (Jim) Carter, Dennis (Eddie) Benedict, Laurie (Steve) Erickson, Gary Brown, Willy Whitmill; great nieces and nephews, Jimmy Carter, Jeremy (Carrie) Carter, Bradley (Cynthia) Benedict, Bryan Benedict, Karin (Christian) Smith, and Johanna (Alex) Munson.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held Monday, October 30, 2023 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care at 2:00 p.m., with family receiving friends for visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. Bob's celebration of life will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/3819544.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Historic Adventist Village, PO Box 1414, Battle Creek, MI 49016. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all the family and friends from far and near who have taken time to celebrate Bob’s life. Personal messages and memories may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.