Bennie Kasky, 100, of Benton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna, IL.

He was born on October 5, 1921, to Charley and Anna (Jeromin) Kasky in Bone Yard woods in Benton, IL. He was of the Catholic faith.

Bennie started off at an early age at Jefferson Barracks at the Citizens Military Training Camp and later in the CCC's. He was a fireman on his first ship and later worked as an engineer on board various ships carrying supplies all the way through and after World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was a world traveler in the Merchant Marine via the Seafarers International Union and received an honorable military discharge from the United States Coast Guard on 20 January, 1943.His interests included walking, fishing, bingo and visiting The Benton Fraternal Order of Eagles, as a Golden Age Eagle member and a member of the Benton American Legion. He was very independent, enjoyed a good time and was a pretty good fighter to boot.

Bennie is survived by his nephew and niece, John E. and wife, Pamela E. Kasky of Murphysboro, IL; great-nephews, Michael Kasky and Major David Kasky, USAF; nieces, Phyllis Kirt and Lillian (Kirt) Gorgan; great-nieces, Deborah (Gorgan) Bernardi and husband Michael, Maureen (Gorgan) Scariot and husband Frank, and Kathy Gorgan and great-nephews, Joseph Gorgan and Robert Gorgan; and a cousin JoAnne Lucka.

He was preceded in death his parents, Charley and Anna Kasky and his siblings, John, Katherine, Marie, Carl, Stanley, Mike, Louie and Andy.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, in Benton, IL, with Father Urban Osuji, officiating. Military rites will be performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Navy  Honors Team.

Above all, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff for their incredible care of Uncle Bennie at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna. God bless all of you. -- John Kasky.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.