Keith David Benner

Keith David Benner                                                              Keith David Benner, 31, of Elkhart, Indiana and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, July 18, 2006,  Keith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; grew up in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, and made his home in Elkhart, where he received a master of Arts in Theological Studies with a concentration in Church History from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS).  Keith was planning to pursue a Doctorate of Philosophy in Church History at Toronto School of Theology.  Keith’s church home was at Assembly Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana.   Keith’s interests were broad ranging and his passion for education, justice and life were evident in everything he did and studies.  Before attending AMBS he had worked around the world.  He spent time in Alaska as a bush pilot where he flew cargo to remote Inuit villages.  He also took his love of flying and desire to aid those who were less fortunate to the Democratic Republic of Congo where he flew for Airserve, an international organization that flies relief supplies and teams for the United Nations and non-governmental agencies.  Keith flew for several months in Iraq for the same organization in 2002 at the beginning of reconstruction efforts.  Keith also had degrees from Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Alaska Bible Institute in Homer, Alaska.   Keith’s other hobbies included gardening, hiking, camping, chess, reading, traveling, talking with friends and studying languages.  At the time of his death he was working on an editing project preparing selected lectures of Mennonite Theologian John Howard Yoder for publication.  He was also anticipating publication of another article in the Mennonite Quarterly Review.   Keith is survived by his parents, John and Barbara Benner of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; his sister and her family, Lolly and Ron Kratz, Brandon, Nathaniel, Josiah and Hannah of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania; brother and wife, Randy and Brenda Benner of Somerset, Pennsylvania; and a brother Eric Benner of Syracuse, New York.   A memorial service will be held at Assembly Mennonite Church, 1201 S. 11th St., Goshen, on Saturday, July 22, 2006, at 10:30 a.m.   Friends and family members in the Chambersburg area may call at the home of John and Barbara Benner 7 to 9 pm on Thursday, July 27, 2006.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made to Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, 3003 Benham Ave., Elkhart, IN   46517, in Keith’s name.