Dennis “Sugarbear” Benham, Age 77 of New Castle, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Richwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Son of the late Charles Edgar and Laverna (Stewart) Benham, he retired from the John Deere dealership in Shelbyville, Shelby Supply, after over 30 years as the Service Manager. A loyal employee, he was a collector of John Deere toys and collectibles. After his retirement, he was a passionate volunteer at the Henry County Help Center in Eminence. Dedicated to his beloved town of New Castle, he proudly served as the Mayor of New Castle for two terms from 2011 to 2018. Actively involved in the New Castle Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years, he was the former Deputy Chief, taking care of everything from bookkeeping to organizing and raising money for the Crusade. Known to all as “Sugarbear” he was loved by all those who knew him. He enjoyed fishing and was a member of New Castle First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sarah Elizabeth Benham; his brother, James “Jim” Benham; and his sister-in-law, Nancy (Arnett) Benham.

Survived by:

Daughter:    Cynthia Ann Watson (Jeffrey) of Lawrenceburg

Son:            Wesley Benham (Katie) of New Castle

Brother:     Charles “Tommy” Benham of New Castle

Sister-In-Law:       Shirley Benham of Louisville

Mother of Children:        Kathy Benham of Lawrenceburg

Grandchildren:      Sophia and Sydney Brewer

Funeral Service: 11am on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Prewitt Funeral Home of New Castle with Reverend Kevin Kimes of New Castle First Baptist Church Officiating.

Interment: New Castle Cemetery

Memorial Contributions: WHAS Crusade for Children, 520 W. Chestnut Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 in honor of the New Castle Volunteer Fire Department

Visitation: 4pm until 8pm on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Prewitt Funeral Home of New Castle and on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 10am until the time of service.

Click Here to Watch Sugarbear's Video Tribute