Keith Wayne Benker, 53, died May 1, 2011 at Great Bend, Kansas. He was born February 20, 1958 at Deshler, Nebraska, the son of Kenneth and Connie (Ingles) Benker. He married Maribeth Taylor Fradd January 1, 1996 at Great Bend. A Great Bend resident since 1988, coming from Cunningham, Kansas, Mr. Benker owned and operated Keith Benker Irrigation Service. Mr. Benker was of the Lutheran faith. Survivors include his wife, Maribeth Benker, of the home; one son, Kelly Benker, Great Bend; one step-daughter, Corry Rowe and husband Ryan, Great Bend; one brother, Kevin Benker and wife Gina, Great Bend; three sisters: Kathy George and husband Gary, Gilead, Nebraska; Kris Seibenniecher and husband Larry, Deshler; and Colleen White, Hebron, Nebraska; one brother-in-law, Merv White, Hebron; one granddaughter, Raelynn Rowe, Great Bend; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Bryant Funeral Home. The Reverend Dick Ogle will officiate. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Barton County Humane Society, in care of the funeral home.