Donald Richard Benningfield, 83, passed away Wednesday March 12, 2025 peacefully at his home. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend to all.
Born on November 5, 1941, in Campbellsville, KY, to the late Charles Wesley Benningfield and Carrie Frances Green Benningfield; Don grew up attending Campbellsville First United Methodist Church and graduated from Campbellsville High School in 1959. He attended Lindsey Wilson College and Kentucky Wesleyan College for his bachelor’s degree. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University. Don was a devout christian and spent his life as a minister of the United Methodist Church.
Don served the following appointments during his ministry: Jacktown UMC Casey County 1961-62, Reed Community UMC Henderson County 1962-64, Adairville/Oakland UMC Logan County 1964-67, Christian Heights UMC Hopkinsville 1967-71, St. James UMC Bowling Green 1971-74, Russell Springs UMC 1974-77, Columbia UMC 1977-82, Brandenburg UMC 1982-87, Fern Creek UMC Louisville 1987-91, Bowling Green District Superintendent 1991-96, Henderson First UMC 1996-99, and Centenary UMC Danville 1999-2005.
Don loved to read and enjoyed UK basketball and football. He loved to travel and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Don loved his red riding mower, working in the yard, and tending to his red rose bushes. More than anything Don loved the holiday season and Christmas. He enjoyed making holiday meals for the family and spending time with them. He also always looked forward to high school class reunions which occurred every five years with all surviving members still attending. The last reunion was in July 2024.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers Charles Jr, (Benny), Doug, Bill, and his sister Wyona.
Don is survived by his spouse of 62 years Pat; his sons Lynn, (Kelli) of Louisville, Mark, (April) of Owensboro, and daughter Alicia Owens, (Sean) of Bowling Green. He is also survived by grandchildren Grant, Andrew, Thurston, Austin, Lauren, Dixon, Aiden, Avery, and great grandchild Wesley.
Visitation will be from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday, March 16, and Monday, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. all at the J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Funeral Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Bowling Green Gardens.
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