Thomas "Tommy" Lee Benham

The family of Thomas "Tommy" Lee Benham of Bloomington, Indiana is sad to announce his passing on July 27, 2024, at the age of 80. He was preceded in death by his father Harold, mother Elsie, brother Jimmy, and sisters Barb and Jeraldine. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Suzie; children Tony, Stephanie (Jen Schmitz), and Natalie (Jay) David; and grandchildren Addie, Mason, Zach, Aiden, and Luke. Tommy was blessed to be surrounded by his wife and three children in his final moments. Tommy was born June 25, 1944, to Harold and Elsie (Hudson) Benham at their home. Tommy’s early years were shared on a farm in Hendricksville with his siblings Barb, Joyce, Julia, Jimmy, and Jeraldine. Every Sunday was spent on an old wooden pew at Union Church singing hymns and offering up prayers.He started his education at Solsberry School, which later became part of Eastern High School, and was among the first graduating class of 1962. He was delighted in recounting the story of helping to choose the red, white, and black Thunderbirds that his children would later wear also. After graduating high school, Tommy began swinging a hammer for Weddle Brothers Construction on May 9, 1963, and he retired as a Project Manager on December 9, 2005, with over 42 years of service. While at Weddle Brothers he was a significant part in the building of “Flyover” bridges at I-74 and I 465 East in Indianapolis. One of his greatest projects was a series of bridges on I-65 in Marion County which were a large part of the 1997 winner of the National Quality Initiative Achievement Award. He was also instrumental in managing the addition to the Legacy Bloomington Hospital in 1984. Tommy married his teenage sweetheart and best friend, Suzie Smith, on March 21, 1964. Together they built a life full of love and laughter within the joyous hustle and bustle of raising their three children. Life never slowed down because of his adoration for his grandchildren. “Poppy” had a permanent spot in the bleachers for the many sports and performances his grandchildren participated in. The grandchildren will remember his one-line humor, hours spent together while he taught them how to make fudge, and his love/hate relationship with IU basketball. Aside from lacking in patience, Tommy was everything a great man should be. He was a man of immense character, strength, and wisdom. His life lessons came with the simplest of facial expressions or gestures. Although he was a man of very few words- when he spoke, you listened. He was always honest, always fair… 100% genuine. Tommy lived out the expression “If you aren’t going to do it right don’t bother doing it at all.” He was a respected man who worked harder than most people half his age. There truly aren’t enough words or time to fully encompass the man Tommy was. Services will be held at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37 in Bloomington on Friday, August 2, 2024, with visitation from 11am-2:00pm. Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com Memorial contributions may be made to the Olcott Center, in Bloomington in honor of those affected by breast cancer.

Tributes

Thomas "Tommy" Lee Benham

June 25, 1944 - July 27, 2024