Bob Beneke

Bob was the third child born to Albert Christian and Ethel Quirein Beneke. He grew up on Long Island, New York. At 18, Bob joined the United States Air Force, stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base as a supply sergeant. In 1952, he married Marjorie Heighten of Graham. After being honorably discharged, the couple and their first child, Kaye, moved back to New York where he joined his father’s company as a public insurance adjuster. In 1957, Bob moved the family, which now included son, Jim, to Richardson. He worked as a company adjuster for Floyd West and Company. In 1965, Bob founded R.G. Beneke & Company, the first public insurance adjusting company in the Southwest. The company enjoyed a national reputation for excellence and integrity. Bob was a tenured member of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and a founding member of its Texas affiliate. In the 1960’s, Bob served as a deacon and treasurer for the Crestview Baptist Church of Richardson and president of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. In September, 1976, Bob married Joanne Shanks Hodges of Bridgeport, Texas. They worked together to manage and grow the building and property development business, Glen Central Properties. In 1985, Bob initiated a collaborative effort with the nation’s elite public adjusting firms to form what is now known as Adjusters International. Bob is survived by Joanne and a loving blended family: Kaye Beneke; Jim Beneke and wife, Janet; Traci Hodges Milliner and husband, Riley; and Kelli Hodges. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Blair Beneke; LauraLea Terlaak and husband, Parker; Jennifer Bingham and husband, Brad; Hailey Bohanan; Joel Hodges; Lori Milliner; and Mike Moody. Bob delighted in great-grandchildren Liam Bohanan, Emily Bingham, and Shiner Moody. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn McCaffrey, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. Bob’s brother, Al Beneke, preceded him in death. A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church, 608 17th Street in Bridgeport. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the charity of your choice.