July 26, 1939 – January 1, 2026
Dr. Larry Kent Benbow, “Dr. B”, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the only child of Oscar Noble and Alma Louise Benbow on July 26, 1939. He is the loving father of Christopher (Claudia) and Courtney Tanner (Steve). Larry is also survived by his grandchildren: Ella, Lydia and Nicholas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 yrs, Barbee in 2023, and grandson, Alex Tanner.
Larry graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Elementary Education and was also a Varsity Tennis player. While starting his career in education, he met the love of his life Barbee Moriarty. Larry then moved his young family from Indiana to Kenosha, Wisconsin where he enjoyed a distinguished thirty plus year career as an Elementary School principal at several schools in the Kenosha Unified School District. During his career he earned his Masters and Doctorate in Elementary Education. He also served as a reserve in the United States Navy.
In 2002, he and Barbee retired to Bloomington, Indiana. They built their dream home and Larry worked part-time as a Student Teacher Supervisor for Indiana University. Their summers were spent at Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana. He was an active supporter of IU sports and a football season ticket holder for many years. He was known for his elaborate tailgates and was even recognized by the university. He enjoyed an active and physically fit lifestyle as well as traveling throughout the world. He especially liked his fly fishing trips out west.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Cincinnati. (checks payable to Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597 Cincinnati,OH 45263)
There will be a private celebration of life with the family.
