BENN, Keith W.

Keith W. Benn, age 76, passed away suddenly on December 7, 2002. Keith was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on January 26, 1926 and remained in the State until he joined the U.S. Navy V-12 program. At the end of his naval assignment, he was stationed on the U.S.S. Hancock. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and went to work on research and development programs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as a civilian employee. In 1958, he moved with his family to Phoenix to take an engineering position with Garrett / AiResearch in their turbine engine division. He retired in 1987 after having worked on many successful R & D projects for both civilian and military airline industries. After retiring, he pursued his lifelong interests in hunting and fishing, and traveled on many adventures. Keith was devoted to his family and to his many long-time friends. Keith is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jean; son, Bruce; daughter, Barbara and son-in-law Sam Ruddy and daughter, Lisa and son-in-law Bill Warner. He also leaves six grandchildren, Bryan, Sean, Devin and Colton Ruddy, Keith and Carolyn Warner, and a great-granddaughter, Kailyn Ruddy. Keith is also survived by his brother, Bill; brother, Huby and sister-in-law Esty and sister Cecele and brother-in-law Adrian Hertik. His love, friendship and support will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Visitation Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at Whitney & Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ. Funeral Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ. Interment will be at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Phoenix, AZ. The family suggests that donations may be made in his memory to St. Vincent De Paul Society, P. 0. Box 13600, Phoenix, AZ 85002. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/10/2002.