Robert Don Benham, age 93, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home on May 16, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will held at 12:00 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Lenexa United Methodist Church, located at 9138 Caenen Lake Road, Lenexa, KS 66215. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.porterfuneralhome.com 

Robert was born on October 11, 1932, in Enterprise, Kansas, to Emmett and Mable Benham. He was a caring husband, a loving father, and a sweet grandfather who stood for all that is good in the world and was greatly respected. 

While attending community college, Robert met his life-long partner, Arlene, when she agreed to tutor him in accounting. In 1953, Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Arlene promised to wait for him, and they married in 1956. Together, they shared over 63 years of marriage, traveling in Europe and maintaining their homes in Kansas. 

Robert earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1958. Following graduation, he joined the law firm of McAnany, Van Cleave and Phillips, where he dedicated his entire legal career until his retirement. 

Robert and Arlene worked hard to provide a strong foundation for their family. They were actively involved in Boy Scouts for two generations, supporting both their sons and grandsons. Robert enjoyed jogging, walking, fishing, visiting the firing range, solving crossword puzzles, studying geneology, reading, learning German, bird watching, listening to classical music and keeping his tools in original condition. Because he was married to an award winning baker, he developed a sweet tooth for quality pastries.  

In recent months, Robert experienced challenging health issues but was tough and resilient, quickly bouncing back each time. During his hospital and rehabilitation stays, his kindness left an impression. Nurses who learned he had returned would come to visit him, remembering his gentlemanly nature. He always made an effort to introduce his family to his care team, showing gratitude to those who helped him. Over the years, Robert enjoyed a Wednesday morning breakfast club and later a Wednesday evening supper club, maintaining strong and lasting friendships even from high school.  

Robert is survived by his sons, Michael Benham and Jonathan Benham (Heidi); his grandsons, Justin Benham, Colby Benham, and Noah Benham; and his five great-grandchildren, Ethan, Finnley, Adler, Irelan, and Alexander.

A few simple ways to honor Robert’s memory: enjoy a cake doughnut from Mr. D's Donuts or a slice of pie at Pegah's, and toast to his sweet tooth. Alternatively, you can honor his lawful nature by driving the speed limit and coming to a complete stop at traffic signs and lights. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Robert’s honor to your preferred charitable organization.