David John Benjamin

David John Benjamin, born on February 26, 1929, in Mailpatti, Tamil Nadu, South India, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the age of 97. The third of eleven children born to the late David John and Jeevamani, he lived a long and remarkable life shaped by deep faith, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to God and to those around him. 

David graduated from high school in 1947 and pursued his calling in healthcare, earning his Nursing Diploma in 1954. He began his career at Clough Memorial Hospital in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, then continued his service at Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore. His professional journey ultimately led him to Aramco Hospitals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where he faithfully served for 28 years. He retired in 1984 as an ICU Charge Nurse, remembered for his clinical excellence, steady leadership, and heartfelt compassion for every patient entrusted to his care.

On June 26, 1959, David married the love of his life, Sarala Sulochana Benjamin. Together, they loved and nurtured three beautiful children and built a Christ‑centered home grounded in faith, love, and service. David’s devotion to Sarala was steadfast and tender; when she became completely bedridden, he cared for her at home for several years, providing bedside nursing with patience, gentleness, and unwavering commitment—never murmuring or complaining, but serving her day after day, year after year, with the same faithful love he had shown throughout their life together.

Affectionately known by many names—including Appa,Thatha, Benny Anna, Chitappa, Mama, Benny, Benji Mama, Benjamin Bava, and Benji Uncle—David embraced every role with warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. Whether as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, or friend, he made each person feel valued and deeply loved.

A devoted member of the Lutheran Church, David had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that shaped every aspect of his life. God’s Word was his constant companion, and sharing the hope of the Gospel was both his greatest privilege and deepest joy. He faithfully distributed Bibles and gospel tracts, ministered in remote villages, preached in churches and rural communities, supported missionaries throughout India, and taught children the truths of Scripture. His ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church as he volunteered wherever there was a need, offered nursing care at medical clinics, provided financial assistance to struggling families, helped individuals secure professional college admissions and employment through personal recommendations, and even supported aspiring entrepreneurs as they began small businesses. He believed that faith was best demonstrated through compassionate action.

David also faithfully served the Lutheran community as Treasurer of the Lutheran Blind School, dedicating his leadership and resources to improving the lives of others. His generosity knew no boundaries, and his quiet acts of kindness often remained known only to those whose lives he touched.

Outside of his professional and ministry pursuits, David embraced life with enthusiasm. A gifted musician, he enjoyed playing the guitar, keyboard, violin, and mouth organ, bringing joy to family gatherings and fellowship events alike. He loved tennis and proudly participated in tournaments, winning competitions. Cycling, walking, cooking, and serving others were among the many activities that reflected his energetic spirit and servant’s heart.

Those who knew David remember a man of extraordinary character. He was honest, loving, generous, forgiving, humble, compassionate, and loyal. Thoughtful in his words, gentle in his manner, respectful toward everyone, and trustworthy beyond measure, he lived with integrity that inspired all who crossed his path. His quiet strength, patient spirit, and unwavering faith made him a pillar within his family and community. Helping those in need was never an obligation to him—it was a privilege and a reflection of the love of Christ that filled his heart.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarala Sulochana Benjamin; his grandson, Darryn J. Benjamin; his sisters, Glory and Karuna; his brothers, Theodore, Robert, and Michael; and his son‑in‑law, John Jebaraj.

Those left to cherish his lasting memory include his beloved children and their families:
Daughter Linnet Jebaraj, wife of the late John Jebaraj, and mother to Noah Benjamin and his wife Whitney Jebaraj, as well as Hazel and Kevin.
Son John Alvin Benjamin, husband to Sheron, and father to Camaron and his wife Natalia Benjamin, and Brandon Benjamin.
Daughter Nancy Andrew, wife of Paul Andrew, and mother to Benny Andrew.

He is also lovingly remembered by his youngest sister, Stella, and his youngest brother, Vincent, who continue to honor his memory with deep affection and gratitude, as well as Sarala’s brother, Kalyana Sundaram, the sole surviving member of her generation. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect, encouragement, and a lifelong sense of brotherhood. David’s kindness and steady presence enriched both his own family and Sarala’s, leaving a legacy of unity, love, and connection across generations. He is further remembered by many nieces and nephews; his Aramco co-workers and their families; numerous pastors and evangelists throughout India and the United States; and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness and faith.

David leaves behind far more than memories—he leaves a legacy of unwavering faith, sacrificial love, compassionate service, and Christlike humility. His life reminds us that true greatness is found not in recognition or accomplishments, but in faithfully loving God and serving others. Though his earthly journey has ended, the seeds of faith, generosity, and hope that he planted will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

David carried a lifelong passion for sharing God’s Word, and he did so with a sincerity that touched everyone around him. Scripture flowed naturally from his heart; he moved effortlessly from the Old Testament to the New, quoting passages with remarkable clarity and accuracy, offering references as though the pages were always open before him. Even just two weeks before he left this earth to join his Heavenly Father, he continued to encourage those around him with verses committed to memory through decades of faithful study. His extraordinary recall of the Bible—and the love with which he shared it—left a profound and lasting impression on all who had the privilege of hearing him speak.

If there was one piece of counsel David offered consistently, it was to read the Bible and pray fervently. He believed deeply in the power of early‑morning prayer and often encouraged others to begin their day in God’s presence, seeking strength, wisdom, and guidance through Scripture and communion with the Lord. One of his favorite scriptures was “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me, Lord, and I will be saved.” — Jeremiah 17:14. He also cherished the reminder found in “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” — Jeremiah 17:10. David often compared God to a body scanner—searching, revealing, and discerning what lies beneath the surface. To him, God was a spiritual scanner, seeing the truth of every heart and guiding His people with perfect wisdom. These verses shaped his faith and guided the way he lived, loved, and served.

He would often pause after sharing a passage and gently ask, “Does it make sense? Do you understand? Did you see how powerful the Word of God is, and how beautifully it is woven throughout the books of the Bible?” Teaching Scripture was not simply something he did—it was part of who he was. He was a devoted note‑taker, filling pages with insights, connections, and reflections, and in doing so, he became a quiet history‑maker, leaving behind a legacy of faith that will continue to guide and inspire generations.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23

All are welcome to join us via live stream on this memorial page at

11:00 AM on FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026,

as we celebrate the life of our beloved David. Click the link below:

Celebration of Life for David John Benjamin

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