R. Ben Learnard

Roy Benjamin (Benny) Learnard was born October 22,1935 in Georgetown, IL as the firstborn child of Elmer and Leone (Bentley) Learnard. Ben spent his entire life in the Georgetown area and graduated from Georgetown High School in 1954. While in High School, he participated in many activities and made many lifelong friends that he kept in touch with throughout the years and enjoyed their class reunion trips to the Bahamas and Las Vegas. Soon after graduation, Ben began his life’s work on the family farm and on November 8,1958, married the love of his life, Karen Jo (Rosdail) Learnard. She survives. Soon after, they were blessed with two sons who also survive: Steve (Lisa) Learnard and Greg (Cindi) Learnard.

Throughout the years, Ben and Karen not only farmed but also operated other farm supply businesses, including Coastal Seed and Fertilizer, Federated Co-Op and Learnard Seed Service, the latter of which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year!! He won many sales awards over the years and was a trusted consultant to many area farmers. Ben also felt it was important to be involved in his community and served in many capacities at Fairview Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau and spent many nights on “patrol” for the Sugar Grove Detective Assn.

 In his younger years, Ben was a very accomplished softball pitcher and played on several successful teams in the area. One of his favorite teams was the “69ers”. This was a group of Danville area kids who graduated from college in 1969. With him being the elder statesman of the team, he loved the youthful enthusiasm and passion they played with every game. He was also a pitcher on the Vermilion County Farm Bureau “Over 35” team that were State Champions in 1972.

Upon his retirement from farming, Ben took up his favorite hobby full time. That hobby was chauffeuring and watching his grandchildren compete in various sports at many different levels. When called upon, his willing spirit and lead foot always got them to their games on time!! He is survived by grandchildren Morgan (Kaylee), Joel (Hayley), Ross (Jaylyn), Jordan (Taylor), Kalyn (Steve Trompeter) Learnard and Megan (Ryan) High. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Jackson, Madison and Reagan High. Faye, Effie, Loula, Banks, Beau, Ella, Knox, Sawyer and Rhett Learnard. Lily, Graham and AJ Trompeter. He is rejoicing in heaven with great grandaughter Monroe Grace Learnard who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a brother Bill.

Ben had a heart for helping those less fortunate and always took time to help others when he saw a need. He also had a knack for a good practical joke when the opportunity arose!! Ben was called home to his Savior on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:39am at OSF Medical Center in Danville. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services: Visitation Sunday, March 1st from 1pm-3pm at Sunset Funeral Home in Georgetown. Funeral to follow. Officiating: Matt Filicsky and John Tennyson. Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Memorials: American Diabetes Association., Salt Fork Athletic Boosters or Fairview Church.