Milton H. Benjamin passed away peacefully March 10, 2007, eight days after his 89th birthday; ten days after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Friends and co-workers knew him as Mickey or Benny, but his immediate family knew him as a loving and proud daddy, granddaddy, or great-granddad. He was an inspiration and role model to all who witnessed his tireless zest for life, unwavering dedication and playful sense of humor.
Mickey was born March 2, 1918, in Evansville, Indiana, son of Milton H. and Helen Griffith Benjamin. He grew up in Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska, and graduated from McCook High School, McCook, Nebraska in 1936. He then attended the University of Nebraska and remained an avid Cornhusker throughout his life.
He joined the Army Air Corp. in 1941, became a bomber pilot, and was selected to pilot the military's latest weapon, the B-29. He attained the rank of Lt. Colonel before retiring from the Air Force Reserves in 1968.
Mickey met and married Mary Frances Shine in 1943 while stationed at Boca Raton, Florida. Their only child, Beverly Jeane, was born in 1945; in 1946, Mickey moved his family to Austin, Texas, to begin a career with Braniff International Airways. He worked for Braniff as an Agent in Charge until Braniff's closure in 1982. One week later, Mickey applied his admirable work ethic to a new career with Holidays 'n Travel, an Austin travel agency owned by long time friend and business associate, Manny Linares. He was employed there until the end of February of this year.
Mickey was preceded in death by his father, Milton; step-father, Charles Gassman; brother, Harry; mother, Helen; and his wife, Mary.
He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Amick and husband Mel of San Antonio; granddaughter, Laura Epps and husband Chris of Georgetown; grandson Ross Amick and wife Shawna of San Antonio; great grandchildren Jessica and Jacob Epps, Austin and Abigail Amick. He also leaves behind a host of extended family members and dear friends. By whatever name you knew him, he was loved and admired by many people and will be greatly missed.
