Keith Benefiel

Keith E. Benefiel
Des Moines

Keith Eugene Benefiel became free of his earthly body on Sunday, March 27, 2016 at the age of 58. He was surrounded by family, friends and love in his final hours at Taylor House. Although the family is sad that he is gone, we know that he is now free.

Services will be held Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Keith was the 3rd of 5 children born to Merl and Eloise Benefiel and joined a large blended family with siblings from both his father and mother. He was born in 1957, with a heart defect and Down syndrome in a time when society didn’t understand the great potential of persons with Down syndrome. His parents were told that he would only live a few years and the doctor told Eloise to take him home and just love him. She did just that and for 55 years until her death in 2013, she loved him. The whole family adored him. His siblings loved and protected him. His sister Pam has cared for him with devotion since his mother could not. He was always surrounded by love. In a time when most people with Down syndrome were institutionalized, having Keith live at home and participate in family and neighborhood activities contributed to his long and happy life.

Keith went to Smouse School and graduated from Ruby Van Meter. After his high school graduation, Keith worked at several jobs until he wouldn’t get on the bus anymore.

Keith loved music but Elvis was his favorite and he loved to sing and dance! He enjoyed listening to his tapes on his tape player and went through a lot of batteries. His other hobbies included bowling, teasing and flirting with any girl who visited (TYN!), and being with his family. He loved to collect cans and anyone who came over was asked “got any cans?” It was a great supplemental income for him. You had to watch out if you had a can or bottle of soda though, he may come and collect it before you were done with it! He also enjoyed “writing” and had a stack of papers and pens beside him at all times. He loved the slapstick comedy of the Three Stooges and TV shows of his youth.

Keith is survived by his brothers, Ron (Lillie Mae), Kenny (Kim), Wayne (Laurie), Mike (Kelly Williams), and sisters, Lura Wolfe (Bruce), and Pam Hernandez and sister- in- law Irene Benefiel (Bob). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, infant brother Larry, sisters Jeannie, Loretta, Nancy and brothers Bob and Don.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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