Billy Ray Benge, of Longview, Texas, died March 18, 2007, in aLongview hospital.

Honoring his requests, cremation arrangements are under thedirection of Rader Funeral Home, of Longview. Private familyservices will be held at a later date.

Mr. Benge, 75, was born Nov. 28, 1931, in Sicily Island, La., toThomas Lee and Berti Mae Benge. He proudly served his country withthe Air Force for 26 years, during which he served in the KoreanWar and Vietnam. After retirement from the armed forces, he was thehead of maintenance for the VA Hospital in Spokane, Wash.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Eileen SpoveyBenge; his brothers, Troy, James and Wilmer “Bud” Benge; and hissister, Theda Cupit.

Survivors are his stepchildren, Nancy Tennant and Kim Carlson,both of Spokane; his brother and sister-in-law, Joe D. and MaryBenge, of Longview; his sister, Lorelle Kupice, of Marietta, Ga.,Winnie “Sis” Tiffee, of Monterey, La., and Mary Nell Higgins, ofSicily Island; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com.