Richard “Butch” Benefiel, 77, of Delphi, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at IU Arnette Hospital. He was born on July 8, 1946, to the late Morris “Nub” and Juanita (Ward) Benefiel, in Lafayette, Indiana.

Butch attended Delphi High School and quickly enlisted in the United States Army in Fort Knox Kentucky, and eventually serving in Korea, and Vietnam, where he specialized in tank machinery. After returning home, Butch had worked as a machinist for many years, and later at FedEx in Indianapolis. Butch also did all of the machinery for Aldrich Carquest, and eventually worked as a parts delivery driver for Carquest in Delphi for several years where he met many friends.  

Butch was known for his unique sense of humor, and his contagious laugh. In his free time, he enjoyed drag racing at Bunker Hill, shooting skeet, working on cars, and traveling around the country with his wife Patsy.

Butch is survived by his wife of 25 years, Patsy Delaney, daughter; Michelle Land, son; Richard “Rick” (Teresa) Benefiel, brother; Darrell “Gene” (Rosie) Benefiel, grandchildren; Kaila (Chris) Smith, Gracie Benefiel, Jeffrey Land, great-grandchildren; Savannah Smith, Hayden Smith, bonus children; Jeff (Lisa) Delaney, Brian (Laura) Delaney, Scott (Sami) Delaney, and all of his loving friends he considered family at Carquest in Delphi.

A funeral service honoring the life of Butch will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 1 pm, with Pastor Brad Burton officiating, located at Davidson-Shirey Funeral Home, 121 N. Union Street, Delphi, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 11 am until the time of the service where Military Rites will be performed by the local VFW, Post 9383.

A graveside service will be held later this year at Rossville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Butch’s honor to the National Kidney Foundation.

The family would like to thank the entire staff on the ICU floor at IU Health Arnett Hospital for the compassion and care they showed to Butch, and to the family during their difficult time. 

Davidson-Shirey Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.davidsonshireyfh.com.