Obituary of Benton Cobb

Benton "Ben" Cobb was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on October 2, 1942. He was one of eleven children born from the union of the late James William "Bill" Cobb and Fronia (Price) Cobb. He attended Monroe Schools graduating with the Class of 1960. Ben married Marge Hodge. He then later married Bonita Szymanski on February 16, 1990 in Toledo. Ben supported his family as a Machine Operator at Hydromatic Powertrain in Toledo for thirty-eight years. He was everyone's favorite uncle even for those not related to him. As quite the jokester, Ben was known for teasing and aggravating the children. Ben appreciated the outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a lifetime member of the Luna Pier Harbor Club where he enjoyed socializing with his many acquaintances. Ben cherished his family and eagerly awaited family reunions and holiday gatherings. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. In his quiet time, Ben could be found tinkering in his garage making fishing lures or watching his favorite wrestlers, western movies and television shows. Benton "Ben" Cobb, age 73, of Temperance, passed away unexpectedly at 1:07pm, Tuesday, January 26, 2016. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by five sisters: Hazel May Bryant, Ruth (Homer) Turner, Bessie (J.D.) Nelson, Della (H.M.) Sowder and Mabel (Kenneth) Ely; two brothers: Robert (Evelyn) Bryant and Hobart (Carol) Bryant; one brother-in-law: Harry Godbrey; To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife, Bonnie; five children: Keith (Susie) Cobb of West Bloomfield, Kyle (Kristin) Cobb of Westland, Allen Knopp of Franklin, North Carolina, Troy Knopp of Temperance, and Benton (Derri) Parsons of New London, Ohio; two sisters: Aileen Godbey of Toledo, and Dolly (Merlin) Fortner of Erie; one brother: J.B. (Karol) Cobb of Erie; eleven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren; and three very good friends: Reverend Joe Bryant, Bill Apple and L.C. Nisley. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday, January 29, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway, (734)241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, January 30th also at Merkle's with Reverend Joe Bryant of Union Street Missionary Baptist Church officiating and Chaplain Keith Papenhagen co-officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park for entombment. Memorial donations are suggested to Union Street Missionary Baptist Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort by visiting www.merklefs.com; selecting the Online Tributes page.