Arthur Benner, 88, long time resident of Randolph died peacefully Sunday, Jan., 16, 2011 at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta following a long illness. He was born in Waldoboro on April 3, 1922 a son of Maurice and Myrna Davis Benner.Arthur grew up in Randolph and graduated from Gardiner Area High School in 1939. During his high school years Arthur was active in many sports. Arthur was an Army Air Corps veteran of WWII. He entered the service in 1943 and was stationed at an Air base in England. Upon returning from Europe Arthur purchased land in Randolph and built the house he has lived in his entire life. Arthur purchased the Randolph Polyclean in January of 1968, a business which he loved and devoted so much time to until his retirement in January of 1994.Arthur loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and just being in the woods. He loved gardening and spent many hours in his beautiful garden, he was always delivering vegetables to friends and family. Arthur loved hockey, a sport he played well in to his 70's. He enjoyed spending time with friends and staying active.Arthur was a wonderful son, husband, step father, grandfather, brother, and friend.Arthur was predeceased by his first wife Geraldine Benner of Randolph, and by a step son Timothy Mansir of Randolph.Arthur is survived by his wife of 26 years, Christine Benner of Randolph, his step daughter Penny McCarthy and her husband Charles of Brewer, their 3 children Brandon, Cameron, and Abby. Step granddaughter, Erin Blake and her husband Rick of Randolph and their 4 children, Griffen, Brady, Nason, and Reece, step daughter in law Kaile Mansir of New Hampshire, Brother in law William Shea and his wife Rachel of Randolph, sister Marjorie Miller of Waldoboro, her daughter Diane and husband Jack Schrader of Manchester, son Ronnie and wife Connie of Waldoboro, step children William Verhille and his wife Marilyn of Randolph, Marilyn Johnson and her husband Kent of Pittston, Rosemary Ranks and her husband Al of Randolph, Frank Verhille and Lucille of Zephyr Hills Florida, James Verhille and his wife Joyce of Sebring Florida, 11 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 11 great great grandchildren, lifelong friends Russell Goggin of Pittston, and Richard Hinkley of Randolph.Arthur's family wishes to express thanks and appreciation to the staff on C unit at Maine Veterans Home for the wonderful care Arthur received during his illness and for the care and support provided over the last week.Visiting hours will be held Thursday Jan., 20th from 10 to 11am at Staples Funeral Home 53 Brunswick Ave. Gardiner where a memorial service will follow the visiting at 11am. Burial with military honors will be held in the spring in the Maple Grove Cemetery Annex.