Thomas Lee Benner, Sr., 73, of Montrose, IA, died Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA. He was born on September 18, 1940 in Keokuk, the son of Charles Ellsworth and Lora Marie Danford Benner. He graduated from the Montrose High School in Montrose, IA with the Class of 1958. On February 22, 1959, Tom was united in marriage to Maris Elston at the Montrose Methodist Church. She survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Laura (John) Martin of Donnellson, IA, Chris (Mike) Mickelson of Argyle, IA and Amy Benner of Montrose, three sons, Kevin (Angie) Benner, Thomas Lee Benner, Jr. and Kenton (Missy) Benner all of Montrose, one brother, Ed (Phyllis) Benner, Sr. of Keokuk, one sister, Karen Petersen of Keokuk, nineteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren on the way , a sister-in-law, Judy (Jerry) Wells of Montrose, a brother-in-law, Thomas (Roberta) Elston of Montrose and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Don and June Elston, a sister-in-law, Nedra Elston Leeds Glasgow and a brother-in-law, Jim Petersen. Tom had been employed at Hubingers/Roquette America in Keokuk for thirty-three years, retiring in 1996 as a Department Supervisor. He also farmed and did custom combining. Following his retirement Tom drove for Shottenkirk in Ft. Madison and CNH AG in Montrose and also worked at Agrineed Inc. in Montrose. He was a member of the New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk and was baptized in November of 1998. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and had an unshakable loyalty to the team whether they were winning or losing. Tom also enjoyed high school sports and was one of the founders and the first President of the Central Lee Sports Boosters. During his first year as president, the boosters started the Athletic Scholarship program. Tom shared his love of baseball by coaching Little League through Pony League in Montrose for fifteen years. He had the honor and privilege of coaching his sons and one grandson. He also coached a slow pitch softball team called Farmers Pride. Tom and Maris were honored with the Watermelon Heritage Award for all of their work with the Montrose Ball Association. He was also an active volunteer for the annual Watermelon Festival in Montrose. There was nothing more treasured in Tom's life than his family. He always took the time to attend his children's and grandchildren's school events, supporting their every endeavor. He also enjoyed taking trips to Lake of the Ozarks and Branson with the kids. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk with Brother Bill Hauser officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Central Lee Sports Boosters, New Testament Christian Church or the Montrose Fire and Rescue.