He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on June 8th, 1923 to Leonard Paul Benner and Grace Opal Webb. He graduated from Benton High School, St. Joseph Junior College, the University of Missouri Columbia with a degree in Political Science and from the University of Missouri at Kansas City with a Master’s Degree in Economics. During his senior year of high school and two years at Junior College he had a paper route with the St. Joseph New Press and Gazette. He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II and Korea.
Roy began work at Hallmark Cards on July 17, 1947 as a supervisor trainee and was a member of management for 40 years. He always said the Lord knew that he needed a lot of help and He provided him with a most devoted wife, Evelyn, whom he met at Hallmark. They were married for 72 years before she went to her heavenly home on December 12, 2020.
He and his wife were dedicated Christians and were charter members of Southview Baptist Church in Raytown, MO. He served as a deacon for over 50 years, taught Sunday School and was Chairman of the Finance Committee for a number of years.
Roy is survived by his children Pam Gillaspie (Marty) of Greenwood, MO and Rick Benner (Dianna) of Granite Bay, CA. Grandsons Matt Carney (Andrea), Brando Carney (Jessica) all of Lone Jack, MO. Granddaughters Kylee Benner, Dallas TX, Lyndsey Benner, San Diego CA, Jamie Rowan (Dan), Richmond MO, and great-grandsons Noah, Jack, and Mars Rowan and great-granddaughter Raeyln Grace Carney and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Evelyn, an infant daughter and his sister Mildred Paden (Dale).
For the past five years, he resided at the University Health Lakewood Long Term Care Center where he made many friends and considered the staff and residents as family.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Pastor Sean Brooks, his wife Cindy and the Southview church family as well as University Health Lakewood and Kansas City Hospice for their kindness and concern for Roy and for the excellent care he received. He will be greatly missed here on earth but is now rejoicing in his Heavenly Home.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 23rd from 9:30am to 10:00am with a Celebration of Life at 10:00am at Southview Baptist Church, 8015 Sterling, Raytown, MO. Burial to follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Southview Baptist Church, 8015 Sterling Avenue, Raytown, MO 64138 or City Union Mission, P.O. Box 270107, Kansas City, MO 64127-0107.
