Bennie Macrander
Bennie Lee Macrander, 68, of Vevay, passed away suddenly Monday, August 8th, at University Hospital in Louisville.
He was born September 22nd, 1936, in Verona, Kentucky, the son of Ben C. Macrander and Mary Orr (Hewitt) Barko. He was raised in Switzerland County near Patriot on Meads Ridge. He resided in Switzerland County most of his life except for the years spent in the service.
He was inducted into the U.S. Air Force on February 27th, 1952, rising to the rank of Sergeant in the Aircraft Maintenance Technician. He reenlisted three times and served during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on December 31st, 1972, retiring in 1974, from Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, the Air Force Longevity Award Ribbon with four bronze oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
He was a member of the Vevay VFW Post 5396 and Jefferson Post 9 of the American Legion. He was a former member of Vevay American Legion Post 185. He enjoyed socializing with his fellow veterans at the American Legions and VFW.
He is survived by his son, John Macrander and wife Tracy of New Carlisle, Ohio; his brother, Ivan Macrander and wife Deanna of Depauw, Indiana; his grandson, James Cohen of New Carlisle, Ohio; his granddaughter, Marissa Cohen of New Carlisle; his nephews, Mike Macrander of Hanover and Gayle Macrander of Brooksburg; his cousin, Mary Margaret Roach of Vevay and James Elmer Macrander of Louisville; several other cousins and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary F. Macrander on June 14th, 2004; and his brother, Harry E. Macrander on August 19th, 1998.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, August 12th, by Reverend Ronald Sandidge at Haskell and Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. today (Thursday) at the funeral home.
Interment will be in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison with full military rites conducted at the graveside by Wright Patterson Air Force Honor Guard and Vevay American Legion Post 185 and Vevay VFW Post 5396.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Vevay American Legion Post 185 Relief Fund or Vevay VFW Post 5396 Relief Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.haskellandmorrison.com.