Benny K. Matsunaga of Clovis

Born: February 28, 1924 in Sanger
Died: April 1, 2013 in Clovis
Age: 89 years old

Benny was born on February 28, 1924, in Sanger, Ca. and passed away quietly in his home on Monday, April 1, 2013, at the age of 89.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Benny lived the majority of his life in Sanger and was a farmer and trucker up until his retirement in 1988.

As a teenager, he was interned with his mother and other siblings at the outbreak of WWII. Following his release from camp, he moved to Minneapolis and later Chicago where he was drafted into the US Army. He was discharged from the service in 1946 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Benny returned to Sanger where he began his farming career and later started M & O Trucking with a good friend. It was at that time that he met and married Mabel Chin in 1952. They went on to have three sons, Duane, Marty and Kerry.

Benny enjoyed boating, fishing and water skiing. Later in life he discovered golf and spent his retirement years traveling and playing as often as he could. His most favorite past time, was being a handyman to many of his friends. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand.

We wish to extend a thank you to his caregivers, Sandy and Verna for the excellent care over the past few years.

Benny was preceded in death by his sister, Lena Nakamura.

He is survived by Mae, his loving and devoted wife of 60 years; sons, Duane and his wife Joan, Marty and his wife Karen and Kerry and his wife Linda; his six grandchildren, Kimmie, Kristen and her husband Aaron Christopherson, Matt, Josh, Liane, and Morgan; and great-grandchildren, Jonathan age four and Ali age six months. He also leaves behind his sister, Rosie Katayama of Orosi; and his brother, Tom Matsunaga of Woodland Hills.

A Graveside Service was held at Sanger Cemetery on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at 9:30 a.m.

A Memorial Service followed at the United Japanese Christian Church, 136 N. Villa Ave., Clovis, Ca. 93612 at 11:00 a.m.