1919
Michael
2012
Michael Benak
February 3, 1919 — January 5, 2012
Biography Michael "Mike" Benak, 92, of Smithland passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah.
Mike was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, moved to Florida, and most recently resided in Smithland, Kentucky. Son of the late Rudolph and Elizabeth Benak, Mike was one of nine children. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Virgie Buford Benak; the joy of his life, Beverly Benak Kozlowski, daughter of Marie Zygadlo Benak; three grandchildren, Beth, Barbara, and Bryan (Carey) Kozlowski; and three great grandchildren, Colby, Logan and Jackson. Through his union with Virgie Benak, he was blessed with two step-children, David (Dianne) and Tom (Gina) Shadle; three grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.
In his early years, Mike drove 18 wheelers and traveled the U.S. He had a warm and infectious personality that touched many lives deeply. He enjoyed smoking cigars, gardening, sitting outside with his beloved dog TJ and sharing stories, from his childhood to yesterday, with his dear friends. He will be greatly missed by many and those who knew him will be blessed forever.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday, January 9, 2012 at Smith Funeral Chapel in Smithland. Burial will follow at Cothron Cemetery in Livingston County.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 8th from 5:00pm 8:00pm at the funeral home.
Mike was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, moved to Florida, and most recently resided in Smithland, Kentucky. Son of the late Rudolph and Elizabeth Benak, Mike was one of nine children. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Virgie Buford Benak; the joy of his life, Beverly Benak Kozlowski, daughter of Marie Zygadlo Benak; three grandchildren, Beth, Barbara, and Bryan (Carey) Kozlowski; and three great grandchildren, Colby, Logan and Jackson. Through his union with Virgie Benak, he was blessed with two step-children, David (Dianne) and Tom (Gina) Shadle; three grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren.
In his early years, Mike drove 18 wheelers and traveled the U.S. He had a warm and infectious personality that touched many lives deeply. He enjoyed smoking cigars, gardening, sitting outside with his beloved dog TJ and sharing stories, from his childhood to yesterday, with his dear friends. He will be greatly missed by many and those who knew him will be blessed forever.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday, January 9, 2012 at Smith Funeral Chapel in Smithland. Burial will follow at Cothron Cemetery in Livingston County.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 8th from 5:00pm 8:00pm at the funeral home.
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