Charles R. "Chuck" Benke, Sr., 74, of Allentown, formerly of Macungie died March 5, 2015, in Fellowship Manor, Whitehall.

The beloved husband of Elizabeth A. (Madden ) Benke, they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary last Aug. 17.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late Alvin and Mary Jo (Scherer) Benke.

He moved with his parents to Shreveport, La.; then to Tulsa, Okla.; then back to San Antonio where he graduated in 1963 from St. Mary's University.

After college, he began working for Dun & Bradstreet in St. Louis, Mo.

His career with that company stretched across the country from St. Louis to Oklahoma City back to St. Louis then to San Francisco, New York and New Jersey.

He ended his career in Allentown, retiring Dec. 31, 1998 as a senior vice president after 35 years of dedicated service to the company.

He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Allentown.

He enjoyed photography and fishing and was a smiling silent volunteer helping his wife in mission work in the community.

He loved spending time with his family and cherished those special days spent playing cards and board games.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Charles R. Jr. and his wife, Toni Marie, of Milford, Mich., Theodore J. and his wife, Liz, of Doyles-town, Daniel J. and his wife, Judy, of Hummelstown; brothers Joe of Germany, Tony of San Antonio, Texas; sisters Maxine Martin of San Antonio, Aggie Moser of Elverson, Louise Benke of Laporte, Colo.; and three treasured grandchildren,Charles III, Catherine and Emily.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Soup Kitchen, a program of the Lehigh Conference of Churches, 534 Chew St., Allentown, PA 18102.

Arrangements were made by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.