Sgt. Cameron Gage Benard

Cameron Gage Benard passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. He was 31 years old. Cameron was born on June 19, 1991, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to his parents, Doug and Cristal Benard. He attended Bethel Schools and graduated from Deer Creek High School. Cameron had a heart for humanity and wanted to help those who were suffering or impoverished all over the world. This is what led him to join the United States Army directly out of high school. He courageously worked in Afghanistan shortly after joining and protected his team by clearing the field of IEDs. His loving heart was always looking for ways to serve others whether that meant helping someone financially or giving up his own meal for a homeless man. Cameron was also a man with a great sense of humor. He could read a room and was quite in-tune with people’s feelings and was able to comfort others when needed or make them laugh with his big, warm, welcoming smile and prankster personality. People were often drawn to Cameron because when you spoke, he listened. He was an excellent mentor and leader because he genuinely cared for everyone. He wanted each person to be the best version of themselves and wished success for all. These traits made Cameron a role model, especially for his brothers. An adventurer at heart, Cameron often flew by the seat of his pants to ensure every second of life was fulfilled and nothing wasted. One time he packed a backpack and traveled across Europe with a friend with very little planning but made some amazing memories. He was fearless in his quest for fun and adventure and enjoyed rock climbing, sky diving, and even climbing mountains. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Lee Benard, grandmother, Flo Maydene Benard, his aunt, Pamala Sue Wilmuth and her husband Robert, grandmother, Diana LeVon Hensley, and grandfather, Herman Felix Hensley. Those left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory are his father, William Douglas Benard of McLoud, OK, his mother, Cristal Dawn Benard of McLoud, OK, brothers, Zach Benard and his wife Eden, Tristan Benard, Greyson Benard, Kaden Benard, sister, Lilly Benard, uncles and aunts and their spouses: Mike Hensley of Macomb, OK, Carla Dingus of Ponte Verdra, FL, Cindy Schwennesen of Jacksonville, FL, Audrey Campbell of Shawnee, OK, Debrah Gorman and her husband David of OKC, OK, Byron Keith (B.K) Benard and his wife Trisha of San Diego, CA, Patricia Walls and her husband Tommy of Prescott, AZ, Todd Benard and his wife Christy of OKC, OK, George Benard and his wife Christy of Shawnee, OK, Rolynda Gibson-Bailey and her husband Greg of Guthrie, OK, and Christine Meyers of Tampa, FL, as well as a host of loving cousins. A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Cameron will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Life Church in Shawnee, OK. Full military honors will be rendered by the United States Army at the conclusion of the ceremony. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Walker Funeral & Cremation Service on Thursday, November 3rd from 8-5pm and on Friday, November 4th from 8-6pm with family present to greet friends from 4-6pm. Cameron will be remembered as a man of valor who used his intelligence to serve others, who’s humble nature cared for those who struggled to care for themselves, and who’s self-lessness protected his military team, his friends, family, and especially his little sister, Lilly. Cameron’s legacy will live on in those who were lucky enough to know him and love him.