Donald R. Benning Oct. 10, 1936 – July 14, 2017
Dr. Benning was born in Omaha, Neb., the youngest of Erdie and Mary Benning’s five children. He attended Omaha North High School where he wrestled and played baseball and football before graduating in 1954.
He attended the then-Omaha University where he played football and wrestled, and upon graduation was offered a graduate fellowship in the school’s education department. He was working as director of Omaha’s Near North Side YMCA when the university in 1963 hired him as head wrestling coach — the first African-American head coach at a predominately white university in the United States. He also was the first full-time black faculty member at the school. Under his leadership, the school’s wrestling program gained national prominence and in 1970 brought the state of Nebraska its first-ever collegiate national championship. Dr. Benning was NAIA Wrestling Coach of the Year, a member of the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame and a member of the 1969 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Committee. He is a member of the Omaha University Hall of Fame and the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Following his coaching career, Dr. Benning went on to distinguished career in education, including nearly three decades with Omaha Public Schools. During his time as an administrator in the state’s largest school system, Dr. Benning served as an assistant principal and athletic director at Central High School, director of the Department of Human-Community Relations for OPS, and assistant superintendent. He helped lead the district’s desegregation effort and developed the nationally-recognized Adopt-a-School program. He also worked for racial equity in education including through the school district’s Minority Intern Program and Pacesetter Academy.
After leaving OPS, Dr. Benning joined the faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was the first black doctorate recipient in the university’s College of Education. At UNL, Dr. Benning was coordinator of the school’s urban education program, charged with training educators to become administrators in urban and diverse school systems. He taught at the university until his retirement in 2011.
Dr. Benning is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Donald R. Benning is survived by wife Marcidene (Dee) Benning, children Victoria L. Benning, Tracy L. Benning (Deb), Donald R. Benning Jr., Kymberly D. Benning, Damon G. Benning (Jennie), grandchildren Rayniece, Brandyn, Cameryn, Calvin, Caleb, Mya, Jordan, Micah, Breeanna, sister Phyllis Joseph, many nieces, family & friends.
Visitation Monday 9:00 AM till service time. Funeral Service Monday (7/24/17) 11:00 AM at St. John’s A.M.E. Church 2402 N. 22nd St. Private family interment. Family prefers Memorials to North Omaha Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., Butler Gast YMCA.
We join in extending our sympathy to Dee and to Don’s children. We had the privilege of knowing Don as head coach of our son, Daniel’s grade school YMCA baseball team. Gordon, who didn’t have sports experience, was glad to assist; and our daughter, Lynda (she and Donald were friends in the same class) enjoyed playing with “little” Kymberly and Damon. It was a wonderful experience for our family. Many years later when she was in Chicago enjoying Nebraska’s stellar football years, Lynda was so proud to mention that she had carried (team captain) around on her shoulders!
We also had the opportunity to hear Damon speak at a Rotary Awards lunch several years ago, and it was very memorable. The memories of Don will live on through your family; and we, as well as so many others, are richer because of Don. Blessings.
Dr. Benning was my first wrestling tutor, and an impressive role model for African American youth in Omaha.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Heartfelt condolences to the Benning family.
A father’s legacy is often seen in the accomplishments of his children. I worked with Victoria Benning for many years. Someone raised her right. She is one of the most decent people I have ever known. Her family means everything to her. I know she and they have a huge hole in their hearts. They will carry on their father’s values and sensibilities.
We would like to send our condolences to you and your family. He was a great person , but God wanted him to be with Him. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. He will be truly missed , but just remember to focus on the good times you shared with him. If there’s anything we can do yo help, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
My wife and I met Don Benning and his wife Dee when our sons were being recruited by Tom Osborne. Coach Osborne and his wife took us and the Bennings out to dinner one evening in 1992. I must admit that I was somewhat intimidated by Don as I had seen him as a very intense Wrestling Coach. The Bennings were gracious and very friendly in the time went spent together that evening and made us feel so at ease. Don and I became friends and would stop to talk about our sons when ever we saw each other. Our children became close as our sons were on the team together, and our daughter-in-law was in their son’s wedding party. Don Benning was a giant among men and did a tremendous amount for our community. Our hearts go out to the Bennings.