Floyd Duane Benda, 82, of Merriam Woods, Missouri, went to rest in the arms of Jesus on Sunday, September13, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel, Forsyth, Missouri. Burial will follow at Snapp Cemetery, Forsyth, Missouri
Floyd was born April 21, 1944, in Traer, Iowa, to Frank and Agnes Benda. He was raised near Traer, Iowa and graduated from Dinsdale School. Floyd attended Kearney State College in Nebraska where he received his bachelor’s degree in Math.
He was united in marriage to Sara McWilliams, the love of his life in Conrad, Iowa, on December 21, 1968. They spent 57 wonderful years of marriage together.
Floyd proudly served in the Army National Guard for 13 years.
Floyd enjoyed fishing, woodworking, riding his motorcycle, and gardening in his spart time.
He was a member of the First Friends Church in Marshalltown, Iowa, and served faithfully until the Lord put the calling on his heart to pastor the Kilpeck Friends Church in Muscatine, Iowa, in September of 1986 where he served for 15 years.
In 2001, the Lord called him to Merriam Woods, MO, where he continued his ministry serving his Saviour in many capacities. He was a faithful member of Bloom Church and served in the welcome and security teams. Floyd’s life was a living testimony. When he wasn’t serving his church, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and dear friends riding motorcycles. In 2012, his love for motorcycles and his passion for Christ, led him to form the Road Riders for Jesus, Branson, Chapter 99. He enjoyed riding and sharing his faith with others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Agnes Benda; his sister Evelyn Kaplan, his brother, Marvin Benda, and his son, Matthew Benda.
Floyd truly loved his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His memory will be forever loved and cherished by his surviving family. His devoted wife Sara Benda; his daughters, Shannon (Kurt) Peterson of Sioux City, Iowa, and Jennifer (Rob) Wheeler of Illinois City, Illinois; his grandsons Aaron Peterson, Carl Peterson, Ross Peterson, Mitchell (Serena) Wheeler; his granddaughter, Samantha (Halston) Phelps, and his great- granddaughter, Nora Phelps.
