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Walter Lee Benham, 83, a lifelong resident of New Mexico, died Sunday, June 6, 1999. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Jean Choate; grandson, Guy Stewart, both of Salem, OR; two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Florence Benham; niece, Mary Joan Windes and husband, Tom and family; and nephew, Robert Benham and wife, Susan and family, all of Albuquerque. Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Rita Mensio Benham. He grew up in Gallup, graduating from Gallup High School in 1934. Walter served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, then returned to Gallup and began working for the Gallup Independent Newspaper. In 1946, he moved to Albuquerque to work for the Albuquerque Tribune and worked there until his retirement in 1981. Walter was a member of the B.P.O.E. He enjoyed golf and bowling. Walter also played the saxophone and other instruments throughout his life, most recently playing with the Palo Duro Senior Center Band. Services will be held Thursday, 10:30 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, 1111 University Blvd. NE, with Rev. Clyde Stanfield officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. Pallbearers will be Robert A. Benham, Alan Benham, Thomas Windes, Connor Windes, Carl Williams and Don Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Wertheim and Mike Maloney. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE, Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association of NM, 525 San Pedro NE #101, 87108. French Mortuary, 1111 University Blvd. NE.
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