William E. Benner, Sr., 98, Bellwood died Wednesday afternoon December 7, 2016 at Epworth Manor Tyrone. He was born April 12, 1918 in Altoona son of the late Earl and Maude E. (Weaver) Benner. On July 25, 1938 he married Marie A. Barnes in Altoona and she preceded him in death on May 12, 1984. Surviving four daughters, Donna Peterson of Tipton, Eleanor Sollenberger of Curryville, Barbara Benner of Altoona and Denise Thompson of Bellwood; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, William E., Jr.; a daughter, C. Gaynell “Sis” Benner; a grandson, Alan Sollenberger; and a son in law, David Peterson. William retired in 1979 as a machinist at Conrail, Altoona. He was raised in the Brethren faith. He was a past president of Fraternal Order of Eagles Bellwood and was a lifetime member of the Bavarian Aide Society Altoona. He enjoyed bowling, dancing, hunting and fishing. Friends will be received from 11am – 2pm Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Inc. Bellwood. A funeral service will be held at 2pm Saturday at the funeral home, Rev. Funteller Jackson officiating. Interment will be at Blair Memorial Park, Antis Township.