Tahlequah Daily Press

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February 11, 2013

BENKS CHAUDOIN

Staff

TAHLEQUAH — Funeral services will be held on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Reed-Culver Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin Webster and Pastor Brandon Stratton officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, from noon until 6 p.m., with the family visiting with friends from 4-6 p.m. \Interment will be held in Moody Cemetery in Moodys. Services are under the direction of Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Pallbearers for Benks include: Rick Hix, Danny Hix, Larry Sisney, Brian Long, Taylor Swanson and Rusty Vann.

Benks Chaudoin was born on April 22, 1926, in Moodys, the son of Curtis and Ollie (Blackhaw) Chaudoin. While Benks was still attending high school, he was certain to be called up to serve during World War II. He left school and enjoyed a few good days with his family before being called to serve in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre of War.

He served honorably for his country and returned to Tahlequah. It was then he decided to return to Baggley High School and finished his high school diploma. In 1948, he graduated from high school and met the love of his life, Geneva Dause. They were married on Feb. 4, 1949, in Wagoner. This union was blessed with 54 years of loving companionship and two wonderful daughters, Judy and Teresa.

Benks completed his college degree at Northeastern State University and obtained his Bachelor’s of Education. The next 14 years found Benks teaching grades 5-8 at Rocky Ford, Mynard and Moodys. Benks then spent 18 months working for the Department of Human Services in Jay. In 1967, Benks then began his 22-year career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs helping others to obtain employment opportunities.

Benks was one of those gifted people who made you happy simply by speaking to him. He always had a big smile and a joke to share. He loved people, and it showed. Benks retired in 1989 and began pursuing his hobbies, which included raising his cattle, fishing, hunting, raising vegetable gardens, and best of all, spending treasured time with his wife, daughters and those wonderful grandchildren.

Benks never spoke an unkind word about anybody. A Christian by faith, he was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Tahlequah.

The Lord called Benks home from his labors in Feb. 7, 2013, at his home on the Illinois River, his beloved home for 83 of his 86 years, we were blessed with his love and friendship. His smile and laughter will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Benks is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Geneva in 2003; and his brother, Jack.

Those left to cherish his memory include two loving daughters, Judy and (Danny Carroll) of Tahlequah and Teresa and (Danny Horn) of Tahlequah. His legacy lives on in his three grandchildren, Rodney Carroll and wife Danielle of McKinney, Texas, Rhonda Carroll-Gunter of Tahlequah, and Dani Horn of Tahlequah. He leaves three great-grandchildren, Rachel Danielle Carroll, Brian Daniel Carroll and Addison Wade Gunter; as well as two special cousins, Wilma Vann and Wanda Harless; many relatives, and a host of friends and loved ones.

Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 W. Delaware, (918) 456-2551.

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