He was born July 6, 1929 in Lanton, MO. He graduated from Koshkonong High School in 1946. He joined the US Navy at 17 and served as an aviational structural mechanic 3rd class petty officer. He attended college on GI bills earning degrees in secondary education and educational administration. Over his professional career he was a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. He was instrumental in opening multiple junior high and high schools in Missouri and Iowa. He earned a PhD at the University of Iowa in 1976. He retired as Assistant Superintendent from the Raytown School District in 1989.
He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Jurhee (Farel) Bench; his son, Larry Anderson; his daughter Linda Heck and her husband, Howard Heck; his daughter, Karen Loman; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one brother, Gene Bench. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Glenna Sue Bench; his mother, Ellen B. Dykes; his father, Earl R. Bench; his brothers, Leon Bench and Kenneth Bench.
Keith touched the lives of many in his service as a deacon, elder, teacher and founding elder of the Blue River Church of Christ.
Memorial donations may be made to Christian Family Services.
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