Heavens newest master carpenter, Carroll Thomas Benjamin II, was welcomed home on February 28, 2018. Depending on where Carroll entered your life, you may have known him as Jack, Jacki, Ben, Chief, Dad, Grandpa, Grandpa B, or Papa. Regardless of the name you used, if you knew Carroll, you knew a great man.
Carroll was born July 18, 1949 in New Milford CT to parents Carroll and Dorothy (Lindberg) Benjamin. He attended Henry Abbott High School in Danbury CT where he studied as an electrician.
After graduating from high school in 1968, Carroll joined the United States Air Force as a carpentry specialist. It was while stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento CA that he met the love of his life, Bonnie (French) Morgan. Carroll and Bonnie married in October of 1970 and struggled joyously through 47 years, 5 kids, and many grandchildren together.
After serving a tour in Vietnam, Carroll left the Air Force in 1972 only to re-enlist again in 1977. This tour brought Carroll and his family to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT. In 1980, Carroll left the Air Force again and moved his family to Bozeman, MT.
Carroll joined the U.S. Naval Reserves Mobile Construction Battalion 18 (Seabees) in 1981. He served with distinction until 2001, retiring with a rank of Chief Petty Officer.
In the fall of 1985 Carroll accepted a position at the Montana Developmental Center (MDC) in Boulder MT bringing the family to the Montana City area, where he resided until the time of his death. Carroll retired from MDC in 2008.
A carpenter by day (superhero by night) Carroll was a man of many skills and interests. In the late 80’s and 90’s he was very active in the community serving as a member of both the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department and the Jefferson County Search and Rescue. From 1991-2000, Carroll was also a member of the Jefferson County Sherriff Reserves.
In 2002, Carroll heard his calling to serve the Lord and began his path to ordainment from the Association of Faith Churches and Ministers (AFCM). In 2007, together with his wife Bonnie and daughter Melinda, he began the Montana chapter of the S.O.B.E.R. Project providing spiritual guidance and teaching to those struggling with addictions.
When Carroll wasn’t working or volunteering, he enjoyed spending time with his family, tending to his garden, tinkering in his wood shop, fishing, and hitting the open road on his Harley.
Carroll was proceeded in death by his mother and father, brother Douglas Benjamin, and son Richard Morgan. He is survived by his wife Bonnie; son Carroll T Benjamin III and his wife Kim; daughters Melinda Brown, Corena Benjamin, and Heather Benjamin; sisters Janena (Nini) Benjamin, Lacey Takacs, and Sandy Oronato; as well as 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and great-nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A service celebrating Carroll’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6th at the Fortress of Joy Church, 720 Faw Road. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial with military honors will follow the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 to 6:00
Monday March 5, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 6, 2018
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Rd.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of Carroll's Life
Tuesday March 6, 2018
Fortress of Joy
720 Faw Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Military Honors
Immediately following Reception
Tuesday March 6, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 to 6:00
Monday March 5, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 6, 2018
Fortress of Joy Church
720 Faw Rd.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of Carroll's Life
Tuesday March 6, 2018
Fortress of Joy
720 Faw Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Military Honors
Immediately following Reception
Tuesday March 6, 2018
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Stephanie Anderson says
Your family is in our prayers always and all ways! Peace and love to you all through Jesus Christ. Kenn and Stephanie Anderson
Gilda Clancy says
Carroll was a great man and friend to all. Save in the arms of our Savior! Our prayers are with you Bonnie and family! Love you all! Dan and Gilda
Jim and Kathleen Kaseman says
Carroll was a man who cared for others. We are praying for his family and surround you with faith and love.
Mike Turner says
Jack and I were born one day apart in New Milford, CT hospital. He was always a class act and a great man. Will miss you my friend
Patricia Brennan says
My deepest sympathy to Bonnie and all his beloved family and friends. He was a kind, lovely man with a great sense of humor. May he rest in peace.
Bobbi Jo Corrigan says
So sorry about your loss I haven’t seen either one of you in a long time however I think about you often, your in my prayers Bonnie not even sure if you remember me from Sober Living in Butte about 3yrs. ago any way God speed
BOBBI
Becky Warner says
Carroll was one of my favorite reserve deputies. He was always upbeat and fun. I pray that you find comfort in knowing that he touched the lives of many.
Jeri carmichael says
Bonnie & family,
Bless all of you. You are in our prayers.
Love Jeri Carmichael
Patty (Morris) McCarthy says
Although, through the years , Jackie and I lost visual tough with each other, I still kept up to date with his life through Nini. We all grew up together on Wells rd and there are soooo many happy memories of those yrs. Nini , Lacy, Sandy and I are still great friends. God Bless you Jackie and rest in peace.
Cheryl says
Bonnie and Family my thoughts and prayers are with you, I am sorry for your loss. Cheryl
Kathy Rowsey says
Love you all so much! What a Blessing to have served God with Him at FOJ. I will miss Carroll’s quick wit! What a joy to be around! I loved hearing him talk especially at the SOBER MEETINGS. Thoughts and Prayers always! Kathy Rowsey
Dave and Suzy Mannix says
Hoping that remembering a life so well lived helps ease your feeling of loss at this difficult time. Sending sincere sympathy.
D&l says
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your loved one. We can find comfort from god the god of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3,4). He promises soon there will be no more mourning, pain and death (revelations 21:3,4).
Debbie Austin says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob kindilien says
I went to school with Jack. We both gradusted from Henry Abbott Tech the same year. He was a good school friend. We communicated through facebook often and he helped me deal with my bladder cancer through his kind words and encouragement. God speed, Jack.
Larry and Mary Ann Akers says
Larry and I just learned of Carroll’s passing. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and all who loved him and were helped by his ministry. Well done Carroll, rest in peace.