Benham, Herbert Lee

In loving memory of Herbert Lee Benham , we are saddened to announce he passed away on April 27, 2024 our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend!  With his passing a sad smile has graced our faces in remembrance of who he was. Known as Herb was born to Herbert and Charlotte Benham on January 1, 1935, in Saint Louis, MO. He was joined later by his sister Donna. He was blessed with four children Herby later referred to as Ben, Marvin, Sandy and Mychelle. He is remembered by nine grandchildren with memories of joyful times. He lives on in memories for 28 great grandchildren. And he had 6 great-great grandchildren.

His favorite past times were fishing, dancing, bike riding thru his beloved Soulard, and enjoying nice walks outdoors. He enjoyed listening to big-band music in his early years and then settled into rock in roll later in life. He was a big fan of K-SHE 95 real rock radio. He really enjoyed St. Louis Cardinal baseball games in person, on t.v. and aired over the radio. Some of his favorite pastimes were riding his bike and fishing in Forest Park.

One of his major hobbies was collecting cars, he once stated that he had bought, traded, and sold 31 different cars in one month. He boasted in later years that he had owned over 100 cars in his lifetime. He had an appreciation for different makes and models. Another hobby was collecting and building model trains, houses and towns. Some of his favorite foods were fish, ham and cheese sandwiches, potato or macaroni salad, and oatmeal for breakfast. One of his favorite desserts was frozen custard from Ted Drewes.

Things he loved most in life were the St. Louis Cardinals baseball games which he sometimes got to enjoy with his children when they were in town. He loved the blues festivals and ice-cold beer, actually ice-cold beer at any time of any day, all year long. He was a lover of St. Louis history, festivals, and events that were celebrated around St. Louis.

His most treasured times were in the neighborhood of Soulard. He had once thought long and hard in the 80’s about quitting his job and becoming a fruit and vegetable seller at the Soulard Farmers Market. He enjoyed spending time with the many friends and neighbors in the neighborhood. He often enjoyed a walk thru the neighborhood and was well known in the surrounding businesses.  

As a family a memory with him is the day he accepted the Lord into his heart this happened in 2021. We are sad to see him pass but joyful in remembrance.