Derry – Edwin Eldridge Benker, 94 of Ossipee, NH died on Thursday, December 22nd, 2016 at Birch Heights Retirement Home, Derry, NH.

He was born December 19, 1922 in Boston, MA, son of John C and Helen Eldridge Benker, and was a long time resident of Norwood, MA, before moving to Ossipee, NH in 1977.

He attended Colorado A&M, and was in their Forestry program before entering the service. During World War II, he served in the Navy as an electrician’s mate, 3rd class. After the war, he worked for the John J. Sullivan Construction Company in Norwood, MA, until his retirement to Ossipee and Moultonborough, NH.

He had a great love for the outdoors and was passionate about animals and the land. The woods were where he most often could be found.

He was a long time member of the New Hampshire Conservation Society, and the 2nd congregational Church of Ossipee.

He was predeceased by his wife, of 46 years, Florence (Gordon) Benker, and is survived by two sons, Robert Benker and wife Ruth of Vienna, VA, Steven Benker and wife Mary Jane of Norwood, MA, Three daughters, Cheryl Marshall and husband Wayne of Norton, MA, Joyce Benker of Sandwich, MA, and Julie Davis and husband Stuart of Atkinson, NH, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services were celebrated on December 27th, 2016 at the Water Village Church, Ossipee, NH.  Burial will be at the Townhouse Cemetery, Tuftonboro, NH later in the spring.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, or The NH Conservation Society.

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