James R. “Swede” Benear, age 80, died Wednesday morning, October 3, 2012, at the Harry Hynes Hospice, Wichita, Kansas.

He was born June 11, 1932, at Meade, Kansas, the son of James Henry and Katie (Johannsen) Benear. As a young boy he attended the Mead school system, graduating from Meade High School in 1950. After his graduation he began working for CMS. He later joined the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. Upon his discharge he returned to Meade and resumed working CMS for twenty years. In 1977, he moved to Casa Grand, Arizona where he worked for the Electric District 2 for several years. In 2002, he returned to Meade where he has made his home.

He was a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars donating to many charities including disabled veterans. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, canasta, carpentry work, gardening, in particular, roses, and spending time with his family and friends.

He married Patsy Salem in Arizona. She precedes him in death in May, 2002.

He is survived by:

A son, Alan Benear of Atlanta, Georgia

A daughter, Kristy McKellar of Poteau, Oklahoma

Two sisters, Wynema Dye and husband, John of Meade, Kansas

Shirley Douthit and husband, Jim of Paint Rock, Texas

Three grandchildren, Sarah McKellar, Elizabeth Pucket and husband Keldon, and Megan McKellar

Three great-grandchildren, Gage and Adam Pucket, and Grace McKellar

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2012, at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade, Kansas. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday and from 9:00 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade.

The family would welcome memorials to the American Lung Association or the Meade District Hospital in care of the funeral home.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidleromebachmanmortuary.com