BENELL, JR., Paul Fremont

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, November 29, 2011 Paul Fremont Benell Jr. passed away on Nov. 27, 2011, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. He was born April 11, 1925, in Minot, N.D. Paul was the second son of Paul and Eleanor Benell. When Paul was a small child, his family moved to Janesville, Wis. It was in Janesville that he and his brother, Ken, grew up. Paul was still in high school when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Upon graduation from Janesville High School, he immediately went to pilot training. Paul received his wings at Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Miss., where he met his wife, Isabel Eastburn Benell. They were married in the First Methodist Church in Columbus and spent several years in the service, living in Nebraska, Tennessee and Montana. After his discharge, they made their home for a number of years in the Midwest, where Paul worked for tire companies and, for a period of time, had his own tire business in Dixon, Ill. Paul and Isabel lived in California for 20 years and retired to Arizona 22 years ago. For many years, Paul enjoyed playing golf. He also loved the game of bridge and was an avid reader. Paul and Isabel took many cruises and vacations throughout the United States and the world. Paul had visited all 50 states. Paul was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley. He is survived by his wife of 66 years; two daughters, Marsha Adams of Kerrville, Texas, and Paula Benell (David Kyburz) of Prescott Valley; two grandsons, Brett Adams and Sean Menick; one great-granddaughter, Lauren Adams; a brother, Ken Benell, of Madison, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services for Paul will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 7763 East Long Look Drive, Prescott Valley, Ariz., with Pastor Kirk Anderson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's name to the Prescott Valley Food Bank, 9360 E. Manzanita Circle, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. Information provided by survivors.