Claude Mansfield Benge

Claude Mansfield Benge, age 80, of Oak Ridge, passed away Saturday, March 23, at his home.

He was born Dec. 20, 1932, in Morley, Tenn., the son of Charles L. and Vista Adkins Benge.

Mr. Benge was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he was a mechanical instrument maker.

Mr. Benge was a member of the Oak Ridge Church of God and attended the First Church of the Nazarene. He was an accomplished guitarist and an avid fisherman. He and his wife of 58 years, Lola Weaver Benge, enjoyed spending time on the road in their R.V. and traveled all across the country.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Mark Benge of Knoxville; daughter, Marie Farnstrom and husband Devon of Richmond, Ky.; brother, J. N. Benge and wife Kay of Macon, Ga.; and four grandchildren, Lauren and Madison Benge of Knoxville, and Trevor and Jonah Farnstrom of Richmond, Ky.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Benge was preceded in death by his son, Claude Stephen Benge, on April 15, 1972.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 27, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral will begin at 2 p.m. with Rev. Keith Robinson officiating. The interment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.