Edward James Benak

Edward James Benak, a resident of Dothan peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at a local hospital. He was 89.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Columba Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children's Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham.

Mr. Benak was born on September 19, 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska to Joseph James and Anna Marie Zezulak Benak and lived his early years there. He was a graduate of South High School. After high school, he attended Creighton University on a baseball and basketball scholarship. He met the love of his life, Kathryn Joan Cherek, and they married on December 26, 1953. Then, he attended the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL where he received his rotary wing training. Mr. Benak served one tour in Korea. Mr. Benak had a long career in military service and obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1960, he moved to Dothan where he worked for civil service as an instructor pilot for over 30 years. Mr. Benak was involved in the Dothan City Little League Baseball as a coach for Chapman Construction Company and was instrumental in forming the American Legion Baseball. He was a member of St Columba Catholic Church and the Marine Corp Officers Association.

Mr. Benak was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Joan Benak.

Survivors include his children, Ed Benak, Bob (Beth) Benak, Bill (Belinda) Benak, Steve (Treva) Benak, Linda (Dennis) Winnett and Mike (Jennifer) Benak; his grandchildren, Matthew (Hannah) Benak, Kathleen (Daniel) Flickinger, Meghan (Matt) Brandt, Joseph (Lauren) Benak, Stephen (Kayla) Benak, Andrew Benak, Kyle (Anna) Benak, Kris (Cara) Benak, Valerie (Joe) Trieb, Mallory (Lucas) Monahan, Kaylee (Reid) Waldrip, Brynn (Mack) Outlaw, Eryn (Carlos) Viscarra, Bryan (Narineh) Grucza, Michael (Sarah) Benak, Cara Benak and Anna Kathryn Benak; and 24 great-grandchildren.