Barbara Ann Behnken

Barbara Ann Behnken, 94, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024.

On May 15, 1929, Barbara joined her parents and brothers in their home in Salem, Illinois. Barbara freely admits that she was both spoiled and protected by her big brothers and enjoyed a loving, carefree childhood. She started work as a telephone operator when her brother set her up on a blind date. On that blind date, she met the love of her life and they eloped on their third date. They spent 60 years together moving from coast to coast while she supported her husband and children on multiple Air Force assignments. She was known for her sharp wit and sass while love and laughter filled her home. She never shied from an adventure and embraced life with all that it offered always keeping her husband and children close in body and spirit. 

Barbara is survived by her sons Richard (Julie) Behnken and James (Mary Sue) Behnken, and her daughter Nancy (Tom) Lemmond, along with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her daughter, Linda, her parents, Ernest and Gussie Leckrone, and her brothers, Stuart, Harry, and Paul.

A graveside service and interment will take place on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. in the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barbara Ann Behnken.