Benny Lew Mikes
Benny Lew Mikes, 86, of Caldwell, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and family surrounding him on Tuesday March 24, 2026.
Born 13 Jan, 1940, in Wetzel County, West Virginia, Benny was the son of the late Chandos Eugene and Sarah Lucille Adams Mikes, the eldest of five, (four brothers). The family lived in Paden City West Virginia until moving to Ohio in 1951.
A 1957 graduate of Byesville High School, Benny went on to serve his country with the 101st Airborne Division, HQ and HQ Battery – DIVARTY, as a Combat Medic MOS 911.17 based at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky from 1961 to 1964.
Benny continued his Public Service with the Ohio State Highway Patrol with the 65th Academy Class in 1964 after completing his enlistment with the US Army. Upon Graduation at the top of his class in Nov 1964 from the OSHP Academy, Benny was assigned to Springfield, Ohio Post #12 to start his career.
He married Linda Jean Pierce in January, 1965; they had four children, Thomas, Stephen, Gloria, and Lea. Benny and family moved to the farm in Noble County, Ohio in 1977 where they raised livestock. Benny was assigned to the Cambridge OSHP Post #30.
During a response to an accident on Route 40 in 1980 in the Cambridge, Ohio area, Benny Mikes was injured in the line of duty with the aftermath of a tractor trailer accident / chemical spill. This accident started a long chain of medical issues that compromised his health for years. But Benny never quit, he kept moving forward.
29 April, 1981, Benny tragically lost his first wife, Linda Pierce (Mikes), in an automobile accident. Benny never faltered; he kept his family together and moved forward.
During his career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Benny received many commendations and decorations, including the OW Merrill Award for Valor, Ohio’s highest award for Heroism. Benny served in many different capacities with the OSHP throughout the years, from Tactical Response Teams, Sniper and Overwatch Teams, Personal Protection Teams, Accident Investigation and Stolen Vehicle Recovery assignments, Benny retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol after 33 years of highly decorated service. Benny is followed in his Service with the OSHP by his daughter Lea, who assumed his original badge number upon her graduation from the academy.
Benny married Linda Spence (Mikes) in Aug, 1986, where her children, Brian, Cheri, and Carson joined the family. Linda and Benny enjoyed almost 40 years together with blended family, with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Family was the center of his life, and he especially cherished time spent spoiling, mentoring, and teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
You will never find a more honorable, dedicated, Christian, husband, father, brother, or patriot. Benny never hesitated to help someone in need or pitch in for a neighbor / friend or family member.
Benny was a resolute member of the East Union United Methodist Church. Founding member and president of the East Union Sportsman’s Club, and East Union Coffee Club.
A true sportsman, woodsman, fisherman, he was raised in and lived for the outdoors. Benny competed in Bass fishing tournaments with multiple wins and trophies. From Walleye Fishing charters to Lake Erie, to Bass fishing trips to Florida and South Carolina, he was an avid angler. Benny enjoyed watching deer at the feeders on his farm as much or more than hunting them, and he loved to hunt.
In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Pierce (Mikes), who passed in 1981; son, Thomas Mikes – 12 Feb, 2026, and daughter, Cheri L. McMasters – 16 Nov, 2010.
Surviving is his wife; Linda Spence (Mikes) Caldwell, Ohio,
His children; Stephen (Melissa) Mikes of Hendersonville, TN, Gloria Worthington of Dixon Springs, TN, Lea Mikes of Caldwell, OH, Brian (Liza) Spence of Jerusalem, OH, Carson (Teresa) Spence of Lewisville, OH, Roy McMasters, Summerfield, OH
His brothers; Gary (Amy) Mikes of Byesville, OH, Billy Mikes of Byesville, OH, Robert Mikes of Indian Lakes, OH, and Richard Mikes of Dalton, OH
Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
“God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.”
There haven’t been many in history tougher or with more drive and personal fortitude than Benny Mikes. He was that Rock, that constant unwavering man that you could ALWAYS count on, you knew he was there, and you knew he had your back no matter what!!
Never hesitating, Benny just did what needed to be done, no fanfare, no expectations of grandeur or gratitude.
A Mentor, A Hero, A Friend, A Leader, Benny was liked and respected by everyone he met.
Benny will always be, remembered, cherished, and dearly missed.
Words alone cannot truly summarize what Benny Mikes meant to those close to him.
Doug always enjoyed sitting and visiting with Benny at East Union store and just seeing him out mowing or working around his farm. A couple years ago Alice ran her car thru the fence near Benny and Lindas house on cold winters day. She was welcomed inside their warm toasty house and got to listen to some of Bennys stories from his state patrol days. He will be missed. Such a good man.