John W. Behnken

Published 1:15 pm Friday, December 19, 2014

FRANKLIN—Capt. John W. Behnken, 101, died on Dec. 18, 2014.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on Aug. 20, 1913, to John and Anna Behnken.

He graduated from the New York State Merchant Marine Academy in 1933. He was a member of the Masters, Mates and Pilots Association since 1937.

His seagoing career of 38 years took him to many parts of the world and all through World War II.

In retirement, he enjoyed sailing with the Maine Windjammer fleet, camping, canoeing, gardening and doing volunteer work for his church.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, Newport News, Virginia, a retired deacon and member of the Carson Collins Class.

He is survived by his three children, Kenneth Behnken and his wife, Linda, of Franklin, Virginia; Eloise Kaeck of Green Mountain, North Carolina; Connie Rokicki and her husband, Glen, of Hebron, Connecticut; four grandchildren, Rebecca Gauthier and her husband, Kyle; Corbin Behnken and his wife, Deanna; Emily Laguna and her husband, Steve; and Krista Weber and her husband, Jeff; five great-grandchildren, Elle Gauthier, Heidi and Kirin Behnken, Desmond and Corazon Laguna; and a brother, Harold, of Sandusky, Ohio.

A memorial service will be held later.

Contributions may be made to the Franklin Cooperative Ministry, P.O. Box 1214, Franklin, VA 23851, or Building Fund of First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606, or a charity of your choice.