Coleman Benner

Hamblen Coleman Benner passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, just a few days shy of his 94th birthday.

Coleman was born on October 20, 1932, to Arbie Benner and Mary (Bunte) Benner in Holland, TX. Coleman married Virginia Lee Jeschke on April 27, 1951. They recently celebrated their 75th Anniversary in April 2026. This was an exemplary example of their love and commitment for each other.

Coleman never met a stranger so if you were talking to him, you might as well pull up a chair and sit a spell. Almost every conversation included stories from his lifetime. These stories will be greatly missed.

Coleman was known for several different titles throughout his lifetime. He was a walking GPS/Google Maps long before they were even in existence. He shared directions to many such as: go by the red barn on your left, then turn right, go by the green house on your right, there will be a windmill in the yard, turn immediately, you have arrived. Other titles that were shared through Bell County Communications Center were Holland Vol. Fire Dept. #556 and Bell County Constable as # 38C. But most of all he worshiped the title of “Husband” to Virginia; “Daddy” to his 3 children and “Grandpa” to his one granddaughter and 2 great-grandchildren.

Coleman had a servant’s heart. Professionally, Coleman served as Bell County Constable Precinct 2 for over 22 years in addition to driving a school bus for Holland ISD for many years. But his leadership extended far beyond his profession. Coleman was a founding member of the Holland Lions Club and served as a Trustee for Holland ISD for 18 years. Although Coleman served the community in many other ways, the one closest to his heart was with the Holland Volunteer Fire Department. Coleman joined the VFD in 1953 and was elected Chief in 1970, a position he held until 2020, when he was given the lifetime designation of Honorary Fire Chief. For over 68 years, with his wife Virginia by his side, he ensured that the Holland VFD was prepared and equipped for any event. If a fire or other event happened in Holland or the surrounding area, Coleman was there working and ensuring all went well and everyone stayed safe, usually with Virginia providing food and drinks to take care of the volunteers. Coleman was recognized many times for his service to the community and surrounding areas, including being recognized by the Texas House of Representatives. He was always quick to remind everyone that he and Virginia served together.

Coleman was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 75 years, Virginia, his son, Ricky, and his brother, Wayne. Survivors include his son Kevin Benner, daughter, Vicki Benner-Slye (Rick), daughter-in-law Joyann (Ricky), all of Holland; one granddaughter Tina Entrop (James) of Temple, two great-grandchildren, Cory Entrop of Japan and Haley Entrop-Ozment (Chase) of San Marcos, one brother, Gene Benner, of San Marcos, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Dossman Funeral Home on Friday, November 6, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Holland First Baptist Church located at 506 Dixie Drive Holland, TX 76534 at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2026 with Randy Evans officiating. Burial at Holland City Cemetery on Hwy 95. A reception will be held after the burial at Academy SPJST Hall at 711 E Rio Poco Street in Little River-Academy, TX 76554.

Memorials may be made to: Holland Fire Dept. PO Box 123 Holland, TX 76534.