Edwin Louis Benedetto, 88, of Cabot, Arkansas, passed away November 30, 2024. He was born November 13, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, to Elizabeth Dorothea Huebscher and Edwin J. Small. At the age of six, he was adopted by Tony Benedetto.

After Tony's death in World War II, when Ed was 14, the family moved to Tucson, Arizona. At 16, wanting to honor his adoptive father, Ed dropped out of high school to join the Navy. However, his age was discovered during basic training, and he was honorably discharged with the request to return when he was of age. Still determined to serve, he joined the Army at 18 and became a member of the Military Police.

While stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Ed met the love of his life, Phyllis Grace Larrick. They married on March 9, 1959, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, beginning a 65-year journey of travels around the world. After two more years in the Army, Ed transitioned to the Air Force, where he served for the remainder of his 21-year military career.

The couple's first year of marriage was spent in Wertheim, Germany, where, on February 28, 1960, their daughter Grace Louise was stillborn. Following her death, the Army granted a compassionate transfer to Fort Ord, California.

After completing his Army service, Ed and Phyllis moved to Tucson, Arizona, where their son Shane Francis was born on August 15, 1961. In January 1962, Ed joined the Air Force and was stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson. On January 18, 1964, their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Tisa Elizabeth.

Their military travels took them to Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico; Minot AFB, North Dakota; Keflavik AFB, Iceland; Luke AFB, Arizona; Lowry AFB, Colorado; Clark AFB, Philippines; and Richards-Gebaur AFB, Missouri. After retiring on September 1, 1978, the family settled in Cabot, Arkansas.

Tisa joined Faith Missionary Baptist Church, and through her witness and that of Brother B.C. Hutson, Ed and Phyllis accepted Jesus Christ, were baptized, and became members of Faith Missionary Baptist Church. Ed enjoyed serving as head usher and greeter and as secretary of the men's ministry. He maintained the lawn at the old church facility and assisted in building the new church. Fondly known as "the candy man," he delighted children and adults alike with his kindness.

In retirement, Ed and Phyllis enjoyed many adventures, including several cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. They traveled across the country to reunite with his fellow servicemen from the 536th Military Police. Ed was also an avid blood donor, giving a remarkable 46 gallons to the Red Cross over his lifetime. His hobbies included coin collecting, National Geographic collecting, hiking Arkansas trails, and canoeing the Buffalo River.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his grandfather Alouis Jens Huebscher, and his daughter Grace Louise.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; son, Shane Benedetto; daughter, Tisa Hudon (Bob); grandchildren, Nikki Gregory (Catchum), Stephen Benedetto, Tawnee Benedetto, Ben Maddox (Whitney), Lauren Soehner (Thomas), and Lane Sword (Andrew); as well as 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Cabot, Arkansas with Brother Rich Hamlin officiating.  Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery with Brother Bill Simmons officiating.  There will be a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service.  Arrangements by Moore's Cabot Funeral Home, 501-843-5816.