David James VanBenschoten of Berryville, VA and formerly of Port Jervis, NY, passed away peacefully, on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Winchester Medical Center. He was 63.

David was born in Middletown, NY, the son of Earl VanBenschoten of Albuquerque, NM and the late Janice Slover VanBenschoten. David graduated from Middletown High School in Middletown, NY.

David married Diana Longrigg on February 16, 1974 at Minnewaska Falls in Kerhonkson, NY. He worked for Ford Motor Company for 33 years before retiring in 2007.

A member of both the American Legion Post #21, the American Legion Riders and Winchester Trout Unlimited #638 of Winchester, VA. David enjoyed working in the stream, woodworking, and riding his Harley-Davidson 1974 Sportster AMF. An avid reader, David had a love for history and a particular interest in the Civil War. David especially loved spending time with family and friends. Always by his side were his four-legged “boys”, Davidson and Walter. David lovingly referred to Walter as his “baby.”

David is survived by his loving wife, Diana Longrigg VanBenschoten, of Berryville, VA; son, Jason VanBenschoten and his fiancé, Leanna Johnson, of Winchester, VA; son, Seth VanBenschoten and his wife, Nicole, of Port Jervis, NY; brother, Craig VanBenschoten and his wife, Donna, of Huntington, TX; nephew, Jesse VanBenschoten and his wife, Gwen, of Nashville, TN; nephew, Timothy VanBenschoten and his wife, Elizabeth, of Spartanburg, SC; and three grandchildren: Isabella, Max and Kwenton.

Friends may call at the American Legion Post #21, 1730 Berryville Pike, Winchester, VA 22603 on Sunday, April 17, 2016 from 2:00 – 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David’s name to the American Legion Post #21, 1730 Berryville Pike, Winchester, VA 22603 or Winchester Trout Unlimited #638, 3043 Parshall Road, Berryville, VA 22611, c/o Bud Nagelvoort.