Benjamin F. Gadberry

Benjamin F. Gadberry, 87, of Holts Summit, passed away Friday, January 19, 2018, at St. Joseph Bluffs Senior Living Community in Jefferson City. He was born August 26, 1930, in Oakton, Kentucky, a son of the late Benjamin Martin and Minnie Mae (Higgenbottom) Gadberry. On January 16, 1954, he was united in marriage to Thelma Bahan at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in St. Louis. Benjamin served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953, and was stationed in Germany. He was employed for 40 plus years with MO Pacific Railroad as a Switchman until retirement. Benjamin loved the simple life and appreciated growing up on a farm in Kentucky. He enjoyed raising his goats and chickens, hunting, fishing, taking the grandchildren camping, dancing, singing and playing the guitar. He especially loved spending time with his family and his dog, Molly. Along with his wife, Thelma, Benjamin is survived by his daughters: Theresa Narsh of St. Charles, Deborah Highfill (Rod) of Bowling Green; grandchildren: Matthew Narsh (Janara), Kelsey Loddeke (fiancé Anthony Kneisel), Timothy Narsh (Lisha), Kevin Loddeke Jr.; great-grandchildren: Alex, Brett, Makynzie, Jacob, Ella, Savannah, Alivia, Hannah, Easton, Colt; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Benjamin was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Cynthia Gail Loddeke in 1997, and her husband: Kevin A. Loddeke Sr.; siblings: Raymond, Rachel, Ruth, Fred and Bill. Family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 21, 2018, at Slater-Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Holts Summit. Graveside Services will be private for the family at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Joseph Bluffs Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of SLATER-MILLARD Family Funeral Chapel, 540 South Summit Drive, Holts Summit, MO 65043. (573) 896-5959. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com