Harold "Benny" Fancher

Harold Dean “Benny” Fancher, 90, of Louisiana, Missouri passed away Monday, November 25, 2024. His desire was to be cremated. Memorial Services will be at 12:00 P.M. at Collier Funeral Home on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The Rev. Pat Glenn officiating. Burial of his ashes with military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Louisiana, MO. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home. Benny was born January 13, 1934 in Mason City, Illinois, the son of Benjamin Franklin and Mattie L. Perkins Fancher. He was united in marriage with the love of his life Barbara Ellen McDaniel on July 17, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Springfield, Illinois, until she preceded him in death on February 9, 2015. Benny is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Jeff Sencenbaugh of Louisiana, Missouri and one granddaughter, Amanda Sencenbaugh and many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Irene Lancaster, and his two brothers, Frank “Lindy” Fancher and Dale C. Fancher. As a young man Benny enlisted with the Air Force and he traveled a great deal during his military career of 21 years. He was stationed in Korea, Washington State, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, Japan, Guam, Okinawa, Alaska, Idaho, Thailand (during the Vietnam War), Kansas, and Missouri. For 7-1/2 years of his time in the Air Force he was away from his wife and daughter. His Air Force career’s primary specialty was as an Electronic Communications and Cryptographic Equipment Systems Tech. He was especially proud of his Top-Secret Security Clearance. Benny and Ellen left military life in 1974. Upon retirement from the Air Force he had a job waiting for him as a cable TV installer and technician in Louisiana, Missouri where he and Ellen settled down. He also worked for Stark Brothers Nursery and he started his own locksmithing business which he continued to operate until he was in his 80s. Benny enjoyed traveling around the lower 48 states for many years with his wife Ellen. His interests included camping, boating, fishing, and tinkering in his garage. For many years the annual fishing trip to Maramec Springs was a much anticipated event to be enjoyed with his best friends Brian Ray and Brian Hortness. He often referred to them as his two Brians. Benny was proud to have been a part of the American Legion Post 370 where he participated in the Apple Core Drill Team that performed military honors at many military funeral services. He took this task very seriously. Over the years Benny also enjoyed the company of his many friends at the Louisiana Elks Lodge where he served in several offices. Memorials can be made in remembrance of Benny to any charity of choice.

Harold "Benny" Fancher

January 13, 1934 - November 25, 2024