Blake Lee Benham, 84, of Home, Pa., passed away peacefully and went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Born November 21, 1941, in Dolores, Colorado, he was the son of the late Beryl and Yvonne (Hitchcock) Benham. He grew up in Durango and maintained a deep love for Colorado and the Southwest, later residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Gila Bend, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Dianne (Sweeney) Benham, who passed away on December 9, 2021.
Blake graduated from the University of New Mexico, where he studied geology and archaeology and earned a degree in archaeology. While attending the university, he played football as a fullback for the New Mexico Lobos, earning recognition as a star player and holding a rushing record for many years.
Blake had a lifelong passion for music and was a talented piano player who also enjoyed playing the ukulele. Blake enjoyed learning and was one of the best listeners anyone could hope to know. He took a genuine interest in others, could discuss nearly any subject, and was delighted in sharing stories and the knowledge he had gathered throughout his life.
Above all, Blake loved the Lord and faithfully enjoyed listening to sermons and Bible teaching programs, treasuring his time studying God’s Word. His greatest joy was his family, and he dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A proud American and member of the NRA, Blake had a deep love for his country and the freedoms it provided.
Blake is survived by his children, Ernest Lee Benham, Cliff Marshall Murdock, Nolan Benham, Dianne Carina Potts and her husband, Ben; his son-in-law, Brian Potts; his grandchildren, Zac Potts, Savanna Dombrosky, Brian Potts Jr., Kamilah Minto, Dillon Potts, Kierstan Bailee, Brittany Murdock, Gina Gapshes, Lori Murdock, Cory Murdock, and Tristan Benham; 24 great-grandchildren; and his beloved older brother, Benny Benham.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Dannie Sabrina Potts.
A service and celebration of life will be held on July 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Creekside Fire Hall. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share in remembering Blake’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to honor Blake’s final wishes. Those wishing to contribute may contact his granddaughter, Gina 724-599-9216
Cremation services were provided by Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory, where online condolences may be made by visiting: rbfh.net.
