George W. "Bud" Benner

Rock Island, Illinois

George W. "Bud" Benner, 98, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2016, in his residence.

Graveside services for Bud and his wife, Nelda, will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2017, at Rock Island National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should meet at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, at 2:15 p.m.

George was born in Canton, Illinois, on October 26, 1918. He married Nelda Chandler on November 30, 1940. They had three daughters and were married 70 years. She preceded him in death in 2011.

He graduated from Plainfield High School in 1936. George proudly served his country as a U. S. Marine. He opened his own garage in Rock Island. Bud worked as a truck driver and retired from Roadway Trucking.

Bud was a talented Stock Car racer. He was one of the original drivers on the area Oval Track. He received the Best Driver and Most Popular Driver trophy many of those years He and Nelda wintered in Florida for 26 years.

George was an avid golfer and fisherman and at 95 he skydived with his grandson, Kirk Smith. George was a lifelong member of the American Legion. He enjoyed the WWII Honor Flight in 2014 with his devoted friend Bill Esser of Rock Island.

He is survived by daughters, Nelda Smith, Carolyne Rogers, and Georgia Benner-Hoggatt; 11 Grandchildren; 30 Great-Grandchildren; and 6 Great- Great-Grandchildren.

Bud's family invites friends to share stories and condolences at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.