Larry Gene Benedict, age 79, passed away on March 23, 2018 at the Ness County Hospital, Ness City. He was born on November 13, 1938 in Coffeyville, Kansas the son of William and Lillian Reiter Benedict.

As a young man he joined the Navy for 3 years. Larry married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Jo Reed on December 22, 1958 in Hays. She preceded him in death on June 17, 1998. To this marriage came five children, Kelli, Kirk, Lori, Reed, and Belinda. He wore many hats in adulthood, but the ones he was most proud of was being a minister, a police officer, and the Ness City Municipal Court Judge. He also erected the three crosses on the Christ Pilot Me Hill, East of Bazine.

Larry married Leona Oborny on July 24, 1999 in Ness City. Together Larry and Leona, raised chickens, koi, and nurtured many children who came to them for daycare.

Larry is survived by his wife, Leona; daughter, Lori Mellies (Dave); son, Dr. William Reed Benedict (Julie); daughter, Belinda Duckworth (Kevin); stepson, Preston Black (Kelli); three granddaughters, Bre Benedict, Dana Celestine, and Kirstin Benedict; two grandsons, Blake and Brant Mellies; step grandson, Jaden Black and two great grandsons, Colter and Conner Mellies; half-brother, Bill Hepner and half-sister, Paula Thaxton and Patty Hepner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Leon Hepner; step-mother, Lucille Benedict; wife, Brenda; daughter, Kelli; son, Kirk; and stepson Joshua Black.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City with burial following in the Mount Allen Cemetery, Hays. Friends may call on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 7-9 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Christ Pilot Me Hill or the Ness County Hospital Foundation.