Bennie S. Lichlyter

Bennie S. Lichlyter passed away June 15th, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ben was born on April 26, 1932, in Alvin, Illinois.

Ben spent 11 years living in Illinois and attended Centennial (a one-room room) school till the sixth grade. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where Ben attended Hunter Middle School and Henry Ford High School. After High School, Ben joined the US Army and took basic training at Fort Custer, Michigan, near Battle Creek. During his 22 years of military service, Ben served in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, and Colorado. His overseas duty took him to Korea, Japan, Germany, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, and Ethiopia.

Military duties ranged from Anti-aircraft, Field Artillery, Airborne, and Communications.

Ben made over 70 parachute jumps and earned his Master Parachute Badge. Ben earned the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Vietnam and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service in Ethiopia. He went to school for the President`s Communication system and served in Ethiopia, supporting the President`s Communication system for Air Force One.

After Ben’s 22 years of military service, he spent the next 22 years as a business partner in the collection business.

Retirement kept Ben busy playing golf five to six days a week, taking care of his yard, and spending time with his grandkids, fishing, and horseback riding at the Air Force Academy.

He was preceded in death by his wife Tomiko, his parents John and Verna Lichlyter, his brothers Kenneth and Howard, and his sister Loretta Jane LaPorte.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, John and Brenda Lichlyter, his grandchildren Steven and Caitlin Lichlyter, his great-grandchildren Connor and Hayden Watters, and his sister Catherine Stone.

There will be no viewing by surviving family members. Cremation will be by All Veterans Funeral & Cremation. Burial will be at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO., where he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Tomiko.