SGT (Ret. USMC) Bennie D. Shehane, passed away on August 30, 2023 at the age of 92. He was born in LaGrange, Georgia to the late Rosa Randel Shehane and Bennie Frank Shehane. Bennie was a Jordan High School graduate. He faithfully served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Bennie joined the Army under age, and a year later, he joined the Marines. He retired after 20 years of service. Bennie was awarded with numerous decorations, medals, and badges, to include Good Conduct Medal with 3rd, Korean Service Medal with 3rd, UN Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and several other awards.
After retiring from the Marine Corps Bennie used many of his skills learned in the service to continue working with metal welding and fabrications, he worked on restorations of many historical buildings and monuments. He also enjoyed making gifts for friends and churches. Bennie married Galina Tishchuk in 1992. It was the second marriage for both of them. They were married for 32 years. He continued his faithful service to and with fellow veterans. Bennie was a member of the VFW, a life member of the Marine Corps League detachment 1402, and an elected member of Devil Dogs, as well as an ambassador for friendship. Bennie never left anyone without a kind word.
He leaves his loving memory to be cherished by his loving wife, Galina Shehane; his daughters: Penny Shehane, Sheryl Shehane, April Cochran, and Nadya Dimaano; his son Igor Palashchuk of Ukraine; his grandchildren: Amber Shehane, Tiffany Shehane, Jereth Shehane, Matthew Shehane, Nadia Palashchuk, and Nikolas Dimaano; and seven great grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.
Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Rosa and Bennie Shehane; his son David Shehane and his grandson Jeremy Shehane.
Family will visit with friends on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Edgewood Hall from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A service to celebrate his life will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor John Knox officiating. Burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery with military honors with a reception following in the Mill Room at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary.
If one wishes to send memorial donations they can be sent to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.shcolumbus.com with the Shehane family.
