Benny Donald Witham, 64

Born: Aug. 22, 1948

Died: June 22, 2013

Benny Donald Witham, 64, of Charlotte, formerly of Niles, Mich., died Saturday, June 22, 2013 in Lansing.  He was born Aug. 22, 1948, in Kendallville, Ind., the son of Benjamin and Ester (Wooten) Witham.

Benny served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he made many lifelong friendships with his fellow servicemen.  He returned to Indiana where he worked for Bendix for many years.  He eventually settled in Niles with his wife Lanell.  Benny loved working with his tools and the outdoors, especially fishing with his grandchildren.  He is survived by his step-children Cathy (Ron) Curtis, Debbie (Bob) Langmaack, Retha (Mark) Popielski, Regina Harvey, Rebecca Harvey and Erin Hilliker; grandchildren Shawn (Denise) Matson, Autumn Garvison, Austin Garvison, Linda (Dusty) Brewer, Michaela Popielski, Mary Popielski, Jacqueline Popielski; great-grandchidren Misty Matson, Dakota Matson, Cody Matson, Mischa Brewer, Emery Brewer, Adalynn Brewer; step-parents Al and Murial Fry; siblings Ron (Judy) Witham, Calvin (Barb) Witham, Cindy (Jim) Brewer, Laura (Jim) Owen and Nancy (John) Berry; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lanell Witham, his parents, sister Joann Combs, brother LeRoy Witham and step-son Bob Spitler.  Graveside services will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich.

Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.prayfuneral.com.