Bennie D. Longden, 89 of Taylorville, formerly of Owaneco, passed away at 4:30p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022 at Taylorville Care Center. He was born on July 30, 1933 in Taylorville, the son of Fred and Gertrude (Foraker) Longden. He married Betty J Hastings on November 24, 1955 at Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville. Bennie served our country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army in Korea and Japan during the Korean Conflict from 1953 - 1955. He was an active member of the Owaneco United Methodist Church where he served in many roles throughout the years including serving on the church board, constructing the church’s elevator, and helping with many meals and making noodles. Bennie and Betty loved to camp and travel, he was a life member of Family Motorcoach Association and the Lincoln Land Coachman. From 1966 until 2003 he owned and operated Longden Metal Products and Longden’s RV Service. Bennie was a skilled welder and metal fabricator and could build anything he put his mind to. He constructed his families first camper and RV, and even built a cabin cruiser boat from scratch in his home garage. He was called upon by many people for help in building or repairing. He was known for building Maxi Taxis for many friends and also were used by the Shriner’s in many parades. When he began to do less metal work, he turned his talents to woodworking. He created countless projects from large furniture pieces to small children’s toys. He made certain that every member of his family shared in one of his masterpieces. He was a former leader for Cub Scout Pack 132 and the Owaneco Boy Scout Troop. Bennie also served the community of Owaneco as a member of the Village Board and as Mayor. Bennie never new a stranger and loved to visit with friends new and old. He also enjoyed photography, and even had his own darkroom in his home. He enjoyed music and always loved attending his children’s concerts. Bennie’s family was the center of his life. He loved spending time with them, and carried on the years-long family tradition of making homemade ice cream, a tradition that has been carried on by his family.
He is survived by his wife: Betty Longden of Taylorville; son: Michael W. Longden (Debbie Mathes) of Owaneco; daughter: Pamela K. Davis (Phil) of Arcadia, Florida; grandchildren: Kurt Longden (Stephanie), Sabrina Longden, Krystal Baker (Jim), Zachary Longden, BreAnne True (Jeremiah), Ashley May (Aaron), and Kenneth Tyler Christer (Michelle); several great grandchildren; and sister Margaret Reed-Danni of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Kenneth Longden; and brother: Dallas Longden.
A funeral service for Bennie will take place at 11:00a.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Rev. Diwan Tiwade officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will take place in the Owaneco Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Owaneco United Methodist Church for upkeep of the building. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Bennie, or condolences to his family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
