Benny Jay Blaine, 70, of Monmouth, Illinois passed away at 12:50 a.m. Saturday March 13, 2021 at Legacy Estates of Monmouth.

Benny was born on October 24, 1950 in Coleridge, Nebraska the son of Benjamin Franklin and Betty (Berry) Blaine. He was raised and educated in Kansas graduating from Nickerson High School in 1968. He joined the United States Navy during Vietnam where he earned the rank of E-5. He graduated from the Diver’s Institute of Technology in Seattle, Washington and earned an Associate’s Degree from Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois.

Benny was a journeyman carpenter, professional diver and worked for Caterpillar testing diesel engines until his retirement. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Monmouth and enjoyed riding motorcycles and archery.

He is survived by his sister, Janet (Steve) Rice of Silvis, Illinois; step-sister, Kris Hicks of Glendale, Arizona; sister-in-law Barbara Dellinger Hurt of Hutchinson, Kansas; nieces, LaVon (Jarl) Martinson of Mesa, Arizona, Kelly (Mike) Smith of Rockwall, Texas; nephews, Lee (Ellen) Fullerton of Makanda, Illinois and Mark (Deb) Fullerton of Greenville, South Carolina. 3 great-nieces and nephews also survive.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents and one step-brother, Mike Hurt.

Cremation rites have been accorded. There are no services planned at this time. Memorials may be made to the Western Illinois Animal Rescue and sent to the funeral home.