Bennie Lee "Old Ben" Davis Obituary (1942 - 2022)

Bennie Lee Davis departed this walk of life on Monday, September 12, 2022 in Topeka, Kansas. He was born April 29, 1942 in Wamego, Kansas to the late Benjamin Harrison Davis and Augusta Hermilia Davis (Bradley). He was raised in McFarland, Kansas, graduating from Alma High School on May 20, 1960. On April 25th, 1970 Bennie married Sarita Davis (Mohini) in Topeka, KS. To this union were born 2 children. Sanjeetha Davis and Caryn Sabina Davis. All of which preceded him in death. He had a sister Patricia Ann Thomas who also preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish in his memory his niece; Dr. Angelyn Renee Thomas of Oakland, California, his nephew; Reverend Christopher Bruce Thomas (Latisha) of Greenwood, SC, four great-nephews, one great-niece and many cousins, extended family and friends. On May 16th, 1976 Bennie received his Bachelor of Arts from Washburn University. He then went on to receive his Master of Public Administration from The University of Kansas on October 16th, 1998. Bennie was retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber company in Topeka, Ks where he worked from 1966-1979 and from 1983 until his retirement. During his time away from Goodyear he served as Fairgrounds Administrator for The Shawnee County Fairgrounds from 1979-1983. Bennie was a proud and active member of Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where he served in many different capacities throughout the years. He was the building fund chair at the time of his passing. Along with MCMBC he was very involved in many other community organizations in his lifetime. He was a member of the NAACP, Department of Human Resources Black American Affairs Committee, Unity Council of Topeka, Community Builders of Topeka and Shawnee County Reentry Program just to name a few. Bennie was very passionate about the importance of reading and education. Very seldom would you see him without a book. He was a very kind and loving man who always encouraged and challenged others to pick up a book and read. He believed that we should never stop educating ourselves. In his words he wanted everyone to know, "THE BOOKMAN TRIED".