1/29/2009
Ben Shinn Benoni Eldridge Shinn, 89, of Knoxville passed away Jan. 29, 2009, at
his home surrounded by his family, friends and beloved dog, Caesar.
Benoni "Ben"
was born June 7, 1919, the son of Noel Dunbar Shinn and Callie (Ivey) Shinn. Ben
grew up in Knoxville with his sister, Bonnie Jo Loynachan and his brothers, Joe
Shinn and Noel "Junior" Shinn. Ben later met the love of his life in Albia.
On Feb.
13, 1940, Ben married Edith Lapsey. Ben and Edith had three sons, Benoni Everette,
Roger Earl and Michael John.
In 1939, Ben started Ben Shinn Trucking. He started
the company with one Ford dump truck. His sons joined him in the truckingbusiness,
which is still in operation today. Ben continued the trucking business until his
retirement with the exception of his service in World War II. Ben proudly served
his country in the U.S. Army while stationed in Italy.
Later in life, Ben opened
Benoni's Steakhouse in Pleasantville. The steakhouse, provided Ben with many hours
of entertainment and an opportunity to make new friends.Ben enjoyed numerous activities
including boating, fast cars, motorcycles, going to the races, playing cards and
tending to his horses. In addition to his horses, Ben enjoyed his dogs during his
life. Ben continued to train his dog even as his health declined.
Ben also took
great pleasure in flying planes. Shortly before his death, then received an honorary
pilot's license, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents;
his wife, Edith; his sister, Bonnie; his brother, Joe, and his step-grandson, Jim
Nichols.
Ben will be missed by his sons and their wives: Ben and Linda Shinn, Roger
and Kathy Shinn and Mike and Linda Shinn all of Knoxville; his grandchildren and
their spouses: Terees and Kenny Jenkins, Tom and Holly Shinn, Michael Shinn, Callie
and Aaron Anderson, Angie and Bob Dingeman, Amy Shinn and Mike Nichols; 10 great-grandchildren brother, Noel "Junior" Shinn and wife Betty of Knoxville; special friend and caregiver,
Barb Watson and many other relatives and friends.
The family requests no flowers
be sent. Rather, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Pella or Knoxville
Dollars for Scholars in memory of Benoni Shinn, Sr.
Ben has been cremated and a
private graveside service will be held at Graceland Cemetery, in Knoxville, at a
later date.