Benjamin William Farnsworth, 88, Piedmont, died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, at the Custer Regional Senior Care Center.

Visitation will be from noon to 9 p.m. today at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel, and one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at Grace United Methodist Church, Piedmont, with the Rev. Steve Trefz officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Piedmont American Legion and Rapid City VFW Post 1273.

Benjamin was born Feb. 24, 1917, at Piedmont, to William and Emelia (Jensen) Farnsworth. He was baptized at the Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont on Nov. 24, 1940. Benjamin attended school and received his education in the Meade County School system. He worked for his brother-in-law on a ranch before entering the U.S. Army on Feb. 17, 1942, at Fort Meade. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, European Africa Middle East Service Medal, and the American Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 30, 1945, at Fort Logan, Colo. After returning from the military, he was united in marriage to Loretta C. Buchheim on Aug. 26, 1946, at Miller, where she was employed as a beautician. To this union three children were born: Eugene of Rapid City, Darrell of Black Hawk, and Robert of Cheyenne, Wyo. He was employed at the Rapid City Implement Company for 35 years as a mechanic, shop foreman, and salesman. He retired in 1983, and worked with his son, Darrell, in their shop, B & D Service in Piedmont, which they had purchased from Benjamin's dad. Ben enjoyed camping, traveling, and being with his family. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1273 Rapid City, American Legion Post 113 of Piedmont, and the Piedmont Senior Citizens. He was also a member of the Piedmont Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years and retired as Secretary/Treasure.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta, Piedmont; three sons, Eugene Farnsworth, and his children, Bobbi Jean Wiese and Scott Farnsworth, Darrell Farnsworth, and his children, Brian Farnsworth and Christina Farnsworth, Robert Farnsworth, and his daughter, Rachel Farnsworth; three great-grandchildren, twins Amanda and Kyleen Kinniburgh, and Hallie Wiese; one sister, Mabel Sachau, Rapid City; and one brother, Wesley Farnsworth, Springfield, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clarence and Allen; four sisters, Irene Oneil, Edna Bryant, Ethel Schumacher and Amy Tennin.

A memorial has been established to the Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont.