Howard Walker Benner

Howard Walker Benner, 83, of Cochranville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family  on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. He was the beloved husband of Suzanne E. Roderick Benner with whom he shared more than 52 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Herbert B. and Alice Walker Benner.

Howard was a graduate of Germantown High School and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Temple University. He retired from Quebecor Printing of Atglen after 27 years of service. Prior to that he was employed in the Management Services Division of Ernst and Ernst Certified Public Accountants of Philadelphia.

Serving his community was a vital part of who Howard was. Over the years he served on the Octorara Area School Board, Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau, Londonderry Township at different times as a Supervisor, Chairman of the Supervisors, and Township Treasurer,  Donegal Presbytery on both the Administration and Camp Committees, Neighborhood Services of Oxford Board of Directors and Neighborhood Services Thrift Shop Committee. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Mentors Matter. As a faithful member of the Penningtonville Presbyterian Church, Howard served at various times as Elder, Deacon, Trustee and Financial Secretary. He also participated in multiple mission trips for disaster recovery to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and the Iowa floods.

Howard will be remembered for his quick wit, community involvement and for being a genuinely nice guy.

In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by two daughters: Joanne, wife of R. Patrick White of Harrisburg, PA and Amy Wade of Airville, PA; four grandchildren: Alex and Sam White and Gretchen and Grace Wade; and one sister, Alice Kirkner of Novato, CA. He was preceded in death by five brothers: John, Herbert, William, Leon and Thomas.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 12 noon at Penningtonville Presbyterian Church, 406 Main Street, Atglen, PA 19310 with visitation from 9 am to 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mr. Benner’s memory to any one of the following: Penningtonville Presbyterian Church at the above address; Camp Donegal, 303 E. Telegraph Rd., Airville, PA 17302; Christian Churches United, PO Box 60750, Harrisburg, PA 17106; or Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA.  Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com