Royce Beneker, age 72, of Laurel, passed away on June 15, 2024. Royce was born on July 23,1951 to the late Raymond and Hellen (Wine) Beneker. In 1977, he was united in marriage to Sandra Cope Beneker. They shared more than 47 years together before her passing on May 31, 2024.

Royce grew up in Brookville where he spent his childhood at Trinity Lutheran Church. Royce graduated from Franklin County High School in Brookville, IN. He then went on to Miller Draughon college in Cincinnati, OH where he studied Business Management.

Royce was not afraid of hard work. He started his working life as a dairy farmer in Brookville until he later moved to Laurel with his family. Royce then went on to work for Keeners as an electrician and welder.

When he wasn't working, he took great pride in his lawn. He loved to mow and maintain his property. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He also loved his cats. He and his wife, Sandra, especially enjoyed travelling to the Gatlinburg area and spending time together in the mountains.

Royce is survived by his daughter, Adele (Francis McDonough) Smith; sons, Edward (Heather) Hentz, John (Denise) Hentz and Jerome (Shannon) Hentz; and a sister, Karen Bergin; brothers, Ray (Pam) Beneker Jr, and Randy Beneker; grandchildren, Chris (Janae) Marcum, Johnathan Hentz, Tyler (Tina) Hentz, Sklar Hentz, Michael Hentz, Josh (Cassie) Reece, David (Courtney Pope) Reece, Cassetta Reece, Tyler (Parker Csillag) Smith, Chandler Smith, Jared (Caitlyn) Hentz and Nash (Kylie) Hentz; great grandchildren, Aria, Eli, Niko, Elliot, Elias, Noah, Emmy, Brylon, Mia, Gabby, Bryar, Gracie, Lilly, Layla, Raelynn, Camille, Davina, and Emmy; and a sister in law, Carol Beneker.

In addition to his wife and parents, Royce is preceded in death by a son, Greg Beneker; a grandson, Gary "Little Gary" Reece II; brother, Roger Beneker; and a brother-in-law, William Bergin.

Visitation for Royce will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 10:00am until 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4025 Highland Center Rd. Brookville, IN 47012. The funeral service will immediately follow at the church at 11:00am with Pastor Ladona Webb officiating.