Lawrence Benefield

THEBES, Ill. -- Lawrence Benefield, 80, of Thebes died Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Nov. 25, 1932, in McClure, Ill., son of Clarence and Bertha Phillips Benefield. He was married Dec. 9, 1957, to Jennis Hueter.

He worked as a truck driver for Riverside Lumber for 32 years and Southeast Lumber for 15 years. He also was a lifelong farmer. In earlier years, he helped with Little League. He played guitar with The Happy Four, known for entertaining at nursing and retirement homes.

Survivors include his wife, Jennis, of Thebes; son, Eugene (Kim) Benefield of Jonesboro, Ill.; granddaughter Amy (Blake) Aldridge of Palm Bay, Fla.; grandson, Shannon Benefield of Jonesboro; three brothers, Paul and Earl Benefield of McClure and Billy Gene Benefield of Cape Girardeau; three sisters, Alice Green of Scott City, Virginia Schearf of Cape Girardeau and Clara Mae Tucker of McClure; and nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by three children, Patricia, Pamela and Mitchell; two brothers, Charles and Russell; one sister, Louise Matlock; and his parents.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. today at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure, with Rev. Chris Clifton officiating. Interment will follow. Friends are asked to gather at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Lindsey Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the service and at Crain Funeral Home.

Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is handling arrangements.

To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.