Donald Wayne Benham Jr.

Donald Wayne Benham Jr. passed away, after a short battle with lung cancer, at home with his wife and Mr. Finnigan at his side, and family and friends nearby, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017.

Don was born in Tecumseh, Mich., on May 22, 1959. He graduated from Britton Macon schools in 1976 and continued on to receive a Bachelor’s of Education degree from Western Michigan.

Don was married to Cheryl J Benham (Ensign) on June 1, 2002. They were married for 15 years.

He began his career working as a high school teacher and coach in Georgia. He later moved back to Michigan where he taught at Hartland School District and was also a basketball coach. He later transitioned to health care where he began a career as a paramedic at Huron Valley Ambulance. He didn’t leave his love of teaching, as he began teaching future EMT’s and paramedics there. Don finished out his career working at St. Joe Hospital ER in Ann Arbor, where he worked as a tech in the ER and helped with the education training there.

Don enjoyed spending time at home with his family and Mr. Finnigan, and spending time in his garden, and hunting and fishing.

Don is survived by his wife Cheryl; his son, Christopher (Chandace); his dog, Mr. Finnigan; his parents Donald and Karen (Cook); his brothers, Ron (Michelle), Kent (Hope), Kevin (Gabriel) and Roger; his granddaughter and nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life service at Where Friends Meet, Clinton, Mich., on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017 at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the family to cover funeral expenses. Any remaining funds will go to a charity in Don’s name.

Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.