Richard Arthur Benske

Richard Arthur Benske, 85, of Cave Springs, Arkansas passed peacefully on February 2, 2022. Richard was born on January 18, 1937 to Richard and Pauline Benske. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol Anne Benske (February 22, 1938- February 26, 2011) whom he was married to for 52 plus years, and his sister June End. He is survived by and was a loving father of Karyn (Raymond) Arcario and Linda (Walter) Parsons; grandfather of Christian (Karen) Arcario, Benjamin Arcario, Alexander Arcario, Cameron Arcario, Lauren (Kyle) Schiller and Alyson (Taylor) Lyles; great grandfather of Lucas Arcario and soon to be baby Arcario, Seton and Samuel Schiller and Mabry Lyles. Following graduation from high school, Richard chose to serve his country through military service. He first joined the United States Marine Corps and later transferred to the United States Air Force to receive specialized schooling in radar and radio technology. Between his time in both branches, Richard served approximately five years. As he would often remind, once a Marine always a Marine, a distinction Richard was rightfully quite proud to have. Building on his military training and experience, Richard worked for the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, N.Y. in numerous positions of increasing responsibilities. Richard then went to work for Grumman Aerospace in Calverton, N.Y., working on radar prior to joining the F-14 Tomcat team building and testing the “Top Gun” fighter jets. He retired in 1991 and he and Carol relocated to Troy, Virginia in 1996 where they started a new life living close to several old friends and making many new friends. In 2017, Richard moved to Arkansas to be near family, starting another wonderful chapter in his life. Richard loved playing classical waltzes on the piano and would entertain family and guests with his amazing talent. He was also an avid woodworker and built furniture for his family, friends and church. Richard’s sense of humor was unmatched and he delighted in teasing family and friends. Richard was a member of Grace and Glory Lutheran Church in Palmyra, VA; Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Troy, VA; and Grace Lutheran Church in Lowell, AR. Richard will be cremated and services will be held at a later time. Ultimately, Richard and Carol will be interred together to be reunited for eternity. Memorial Contributions may be made in the name of Richard Benske to Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Troy, VA (beaverdambaptist.org) and also to Grace Lutheran Church in Lowell, AR (gracelutherannwa.com).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RollinsFuneral.com for the Benske family.