Thomas E. Benningfield , 76, of Lancaster, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2018. He was born on March 28, 1942 to Walter Pinkney and Essie Adella Benningfield in Estelline, Texas.

He grew up in Borger, Texas, and graduated in 1960 from Borger High School. He attended Southwestern Assemblies of God College in Waxahachie, Texas. While in college, he became involved at Teen Challenge of Dallas. He met his wife, Wanda McCutchen, and they were married on December 27, 1966 in Waxahachie, and they celebrated 51 years of marriage. He was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, and pastored at churches in Waskom, Premont, Coleman, and Alice, Texas. When he wasn't pastoring, he stayed involved in the church as a song leader, Sunday School teacher, church board member, greeter, and office manager. He served as the chaplain of a nursing home in Italy, Texas. He volunteered four years at Methodist Hospital in Dallas. Thomas also worked at GTE Southwest for many years in Brownwood, Texas. He enjoyed drinking coffee and fellowship with friends, watching his son play baseball, telling jokes, reading, and playing with his grandchildren. He never met a stranger, and always left someone with a smile. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Essie Benningfield; sister, Alice Brister and husband, Buck; brother, Robert Benningfield and wife Luz; brother-in-law, Howard Weed; and daughter, Kerry Benningfield.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda Benningfield; daughter, Michelle Benningfield; son, Thomas Benningfield II and wife, Tracie; granddaughter, McKinlee; grandson, Deacon; sister, Zella Weed; and many other relatives and numerous friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 2, 2018, at Waxahachie Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at Church on the Hill, 800 S. Hampton, De Soto, Texas; with interment following in Laurel Land Memorial Park.