Donald R. Benz, 73, of rural Ashland, IL, died Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at StoneBridge Memory Care in Jacksonville.

He was born Feb. 16, 1950, in Carbondale, the son of Raymond and Estella (Ebersohl) Benz. He married Betty Jo Ring on Dec. 30, 1972, in Ashland, and she survives.

He is also survived by two children, Kathy (Jim) Fry of Ashland and Jeffrey (Katie) Benz of Murphy, TX; eight grandchildren, Julia Peters, Emily Peters, Jonathan Zane Peters, Bethany Peters, Nathanael Peters, Zachary Peters, Kyle Benz and Kayla Benz; three great granddaughters, Aerylin, Ashlen and Freya; one sister, Deborah (David) Desilets of Sugarland, TX; and one brother, James Benz of Carbondale.

The family will host a memorial graveside service 10:00 AM Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Ashland Cemetery. Chairs will not be provided at the cemetery, please bring your own seating if needed. Memorial gifts are suggested to Ashland Fire Department or Faith Lutheran Church. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.