Fred Thomas “Tom” Benefiel

October 11, 1926 – August 30, 2024

Fred Thomas “Tom” Benefiel, 97, Noblesville, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Brookdale of Carmel.

Tom was born in Frankfort, Ind., on October 11, 1926, to the late Earl and Charlene (Ferguson) Benefiel.

On May 27, 1947, he married Wanda Louise Penwell and shared 68 years of marriage before Wanda’s passing.

Tom grew up in the Arcadia area and attended Walnut Grove High School as a member of the Class of 1944. After graduating high school, Tom joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country. Upon returning home from the military, Tom took over the family farm and was a dedicated farmer for over 50 years. He was a longtime member of Strawtown Community Church, a Pilgrim member of the Noblesville Moose Lodge #540, and a member of the Cicero American Legion Post 341. Tom enjoyed being on the farm, traveling with Wanda and the family, spending his winters in the Florida Keys with Wanda, tinkering in the garage after retirement, and keeping the yard in order. He was a big Pacers fan and an avid bowler, winning state and traveling across the United States to different tournaments. Tom also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and is going to be missed by many.

Tom is survived by his sons, Steven Joel (Vickie) Benefiel of Arcadia and Roy V. Benefiel of Noblesville; daughters, Randy L. Thomas of Arcadia and Rebecca A. Sims of Sebring, Fla.; grandchildren, Charlie (Angie) Sims, Andy Sims, Daniel (Dawn) Benefiel, Michael Jay Kinder, Melisa Benefiel, Amos Benefiel, Elizabeth Benefiel, Maggie (William) Salazar, Michael Benefiel, Kaylee (Justin) Wilson, and Emily (Carlton Jay) Howard; 22 great-grandchildren; brothers, Keith (Joyce) Benefiel of Frankfort and Kibby Benefiel of Louisville, Ky.; and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Wanda Louise Benefiel; son, Fred Thomas Benefiel, Jr.; great-grandson, Elijah Benefiel; brothers, Harvey Benefiel, Robert Benefiel, and George Benefiel; and sisters, Vinnie Crews, Ann Lahee, and Emma Benefiel.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Hartley Funeral Home, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero, with Pastor Neal Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Carey Cemetery, State Road 37, Noblesville.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research or the Moose Charities Foundation, Attn: Moose Heart.

Online condolences can be given at hartleyfuneralhomes.com.