Pastor Ernest Lee Benge

Pastor Dr. Ernest Lee Benge, age 84 of Hamilton, has had an address change notification to Heaven on Monday, January 9, 2023. Ernest was born in London, Kentucky on April 29, 1938 to John Ernest Benge and Oma Lee (Bowling) Johnson. He worked for both the B & O and CSX Railroads just 3 months shy of 30 years and pastored the Full Gospel Church for 62 years. Ernest was a full-time husband, father, and grandpa, and he spent his entire life in the ministry. Ernest loved everyone and was always there for anyone in their time of need. He deeply loved his grandchildren, and he enjoyed rebuilding engines, painting cars, family vacations, reading the bible, and spending time with his family. Ernest had a great passion for his congregation at the Full Gospel Church, and was immensely proud of the trophies won by the men’s and women’s softball teams which led to many of the teammates giving their hearts to the Lord. Ernest is survived by the love of his life, Betty, of 60 years; six children, Jeff (Jeanie) Benge, JoEtta (Roy) Street, Karena (Kevin) Barger, Julene (Danny) Adams, Kathy (Glen) Retherford, and Jason (Cynthia) Benge; brothers, Cecil (Eva) Benge, Doug (Ann) Benge, Ernie Benge Cornett, and Dennis Johnson; sisters, Karen (Ronnie) Harrison, Rosemary (Gary) Benge-Yaden, Lillie Mae (George) Benge-Sungy, and JoAnn Benge-Spradling; grandchildren, David, Ashley, Mark, Kayla, Lynnedsy, Katalin, Jeffrey, Desirae, McKinsey, Brayden, CharliAnne, Bailey, and Cate; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Eli, Dawson, Paisley, Joslynn, Bexlee, Ace, RyleeJo, Avery, and Chase; a special nephew, Gary Turner; and numerous other relatives and friends. Ernest was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Christian Faith Benge; his parents and stepfather, George Johnson; and his siblings, Donnie Benge, Anna Lee Benge, and Martha Bowling. Funeral service will be held at Full Gospel Church Eaton Road, 2117 Eaton Road, Hamilton, Ohio, on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dave Garrett and Darrell Mountjoy officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Full Gospel Church Eaton Road. Memorial contributions can be made to the Full Gospel Church in memory of Ernest Lee Benge.