Benge Daniel Obituary

Benge Robert Daniel, Jr., a beloved husband, father and friend, passed away on April 7, 2026. He was born in Sherman, Texas, on January 1, 1945, to his loving parents, Lorine Everett Daniel and Benge Robert Daniel.



Benge's family moved to Lubbock when he was five. As a boy, he loved playing baseball, a passion that later gave way to tennis. He became an avid and competitive player, traveling with his doubles partner to tournaments in cities across the region. Benge went on to play tennis for Texas Tech University and remained a passionate Red Raider throughout his life.



Shortly after graduating from college, Benge met and married the love of his life, Jackie Dietrich, with whom he shared 56 adventurous and joyful years of marriage. Together, they raised a son, Robert, and a daughter, Lauren, and were blessed with five wonderful grandchildren.



After college, Benge entered the United States Air Force. He dedicated the next 22 years of his life to his country and earned many honors, including the rank of colonel. While serving, Benge pursued his education, becoming first a dentist and later a periodontist. Those years took him and his family to Europe and beyond, where they lived a life of adventure and made many lifelong friendships.



Following his military service, Benge entered private practice in Fort Worth where he became an active and respected member of the Fort Worth Dental Society, serving at every level including as president. He loved caring for his patients and took great joy in seeing them, not only in his office but also around town.



Tennis remained his lifelong passion. Benge was also deeply involved in the community. He supported the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth. He also served as a Director on the Tourist Accommodation Board of The Ritz-Carlton Club Aspen. He cherished time spent at the lake with his family, as well as meeting friends at River Crest Country Club. He rarely missed his daily crossword puzzle, which he completed in pen.



Benge will be dearly missed by his family and close friends, who cherished his generous and fun-loving spirit, and the care he showed for each of them. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jackie; his son, Robert Daniel, and his wife, Kathryn, and their sons, Will and George; and his daughter, Lauren Trodden and her husband Kyle, and their daughters, Paige, Fiona and Leah. He is also survived by many extended family members who loved him deeply and will miss him greatly.



A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in downtown Fort Worth at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery and a reception at River Crest Country Club.