11/16/2025
Lyman L. Benns, Jr.
Lyman L Benns, Jr. was born on March 6, 1947 in Benton, IL. He went to spend eternity with his Savior and the love of his life Jenifer Jane Sneddon Benns on November 13, 2025 in Benton, IL. Although he spent some time growing up on the south side of Chicago, IL, he spent most of his time living in West City, IL with his parents and siblings. He married Jenifer Jane Sneddon Benns on June 8, 1969.
He joined the Marines in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War. After leaving the Marines, he moved his small family to Texas where he worked in a paper mill. He moved back to the Southern Illinois area shortly after this and he began his career in the coal mines. He worked hard to support his family. He and his wife owned and operated Printer’s Inc. for 16 years.
He was a charter member of Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher, IL. He was one of the many men who helped build the Church. Over the years that he worshiped there, he served as both an Elder and Deacon. He enjoyed preaching, teaching and leading Sunday School for the teens at the Church. He also helped with maintaining the upkeep on the building and grounds. He was always willing to help no matter what the need.
He was very active in his Church and with the community up to the day he died. He was willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need. If he had something you needed, he would lend it to you without hesitation. He was an encourager and a great leader. He was always cracking jokes and playing practical jokes on others when they least expected it.
He was generous with everyone. If you called him for advice or help, he was there. While wintering in Texas, he would do the announcements at Church every Sunday. The other Winter Texans loved that he did this as they would say “He is the only person that can make the announcements funny”. He also enjoyed playing pickle ball and could be heard many times saying “keep your eye on the ball”.
His best time was with the love of his life, Jenifer Jane Benns. They enjoyed taking trips, ballroom dancing, going for rides in the convertible, spending time with friends and family and just being together. Their love was truly one of a kind.
His greatest accomplishment was his family and the love he so eagerly gave. He loved deeply and wanted the best for them. Besides his family, he passionately worked for his Lord and Savior with all his heart. He loved Jesus and was always willing to share that love with anyone. He wanted to bring all his family and friends with him to meet Jesus someday.
He was preceded in death by His wife, Jenifer Sneddon Benns; his Mother, Margaret Smith Benns; Father, Lyman L. Benns, Sr.; Father-in-Law David Lewis; Mother-in-law, Uneeda Lewis; Brother, Steve Benns; Brother-in-law, James Sneddon; Brother-in-law, George Lewis; Sister-in-law, Nellie Lewis, and Sister-in-law, Mikkell Geanne Sneddon.
His surviving family includes Children, Julie Benns (Michael) Greisz and Eric Benns; Brother James Benns (Beth), Dennis Benns (Valerie), Mike Benns and Sister Mary Anne Benns Kline. Grandchildren: Caleb Garascia (Kayela Thomas), Logan Gayer, Ashlei Kraemer (Andrew), Anna Greisz, Thomas Greisz, Vanessa Greisz, Skyler Greisz, Isaac Benns, Madison Benns and Gabriella Benns. He has one Great-grandchild Evan Garascia who was a bright light in his life. His nieces and Nephews include Amy Sneddon, Andrew Sneddon, Angie Wray, Adam Benns (Deeann), Deni Lynn Stallons (Paul), Lacey Owens (Justin), Jamie Hargraves (Robert), Shauna Martinez (Mario), Jeremy Benns, Nikita Coleman, Marsha Schuster (Ken), Angela Austin (Mark) many great nieces and nephews and cousin David Garvin (Brenda).
The visitation will be held at Morton and Johnston in Benton, IL. Visitation for family will be on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 4:00PM. Visitation for Friends will be on Tuesday, November 18 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. Friends may also visit on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 9:00AM with the funeral at 10:00AM. He will be laid to rest in the Benton Cemetery.
