John (Johnny) Benakis, age 67, of Camdenton Missouri, passed away on June 18th, 2026.

Born in Berwyn, Illinois on January 26, 1959. Johnny’s childhood was spent running around being rambunctious with friends, cousins and his big brother Nick. He found community, support, and love in aunts and uncles, neighbors, and friends’ parents. He was an avid fisherman, with enough tackle and gear to prove it. He was a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and Bulls. He was a proud recipient of many “clean plate awards,” a habit that made his Yiayia proud.

Johnny met the love of his life on a Friday night in the Summer of 1979. Karen Whitney had just received her first paycheck and was taking her parents out to eat at Johnny’s family’s restaurant. Her first manicure client  at her new job as a stylist was Johnny’s mom who encouraged her to come to the restaurant and meet her son. When Karen was there, Johnny’s mom told him he needed to come out and meet her friend. Johnny assumed Karen was one of her old friends, so he made no effort to change out of his sweaty kitchen clothes and headed out to meet her. Later he cursed his mom shouting, “You should have told me who I was going to meet, I would have showered for her!” After Karen paid the bill, Johnny’s mom said, “Hey why don’t you go in the kitchen and give him your phone number” and Karen replied, “If he wants my number, he can find it” (it was the age of landline after all). The very next day, he called at 6:30 p.m. wanting to see if she wanted to go out after he got off work. Karen responded, “You don’t ask someone on their first date on the same day.” First thing the next morning, he called her again and asked, “Is this enough of an advanced notice for tonight?” They went out on their first date and Karen returned to her parents’ home to her mother’s dismay at 2:30 a.m. in the morning. From that day forward, they were inseparable and rarely missed a day together. They were inseparable. The Whitney family accepted Johnny with open hearts and provided the love and support he deserved.

With Karen’s dad’s permission they married in 1984 after five years of dating. Two years later they welcomed their first baby, Whitney. Another two years later, they welcomed their second child, Nicholas. Johnny would not want you to forget their beloved Black Labs, Lucy and Lacey either.

Shortly after they had started dating, Johnny left the family restaurant but still pursued a career in the food service industry. He was a top salesman earning a 14-day trip to Maui and Honolulu, Hawaii- an achievement he was proud of. It was a trip to remember, with Johnny and Karen attending the Pro Bowl and enjoying endless seafood and sunshine.

After 21 years in Illinois, Johnny and Karen decided they needed a change of scenery and moved closer to Karen’s family at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. His brother in law graciously took him on as an apprentice at Whitney Appraisal which would later become Benakis Appraisal. This career in real estate was a perfect fit for Johnny as he was his own boss with no one telling him what to do. In the 21 years of appraising, he appraised hundreds of homes in the lake area, always pointing them out as our family drove past them. He took great pride in providing for his family.

He became a Papou in 2015 and again in 2018 being one of the first to hold his grandchildren. He was able to watch them grow, attend their games and musicals and was able to spend time with them two weeks before passing.

Purchasing the lake home was one of Johnny and Karen’s final bucket list items they were able to check off together. It was the perfect backdrop for peace. Johnny’s family was able to honor his wishes and bring him home to rest. He was surrounded by love and peace and even his grandchildren’s laughter in his final moments.

The people who will welcome him through the gates of heaven include:His brother, Nicholas Benakis; uncle, Gus Benakis; aunt, Jo Benakis; cousin, Elena Straub; grandmother, Ariadne Benakis; sister-in-law, Gwen Whitney; brother-in-law, Dale McElwee; father-in-law, George Whitney; mother-in-law, Patricia Whitney; uncle, Gust Makedon; aunt, Athena (Tina) Gallanis; and Cody Mabery.

Those who will carry him in their hearts with their memories include:

His wife, Karen Benakis; children, Whitney DeBourge and Nick Benakis; son-in-law, Justin DeBourge; grandchildren, Ariadne and Ella DeBourge; brother, Steve Whitney, and niece, Lauren Whitney, and nephews, Steven Whitney, Drew Whitney, and Luiz Whitney; sister, Sara McElwee, and nephew, Joseph Cope; Shelly Maybery and Mckayla Maybery; cousins, Stephanie and John Condon, and Ben and Jake Condon; cousins, Roenigk, Carson, and Hudson Straub; aunt, Eileen Makedon; cousins, Mary Lisa and Alan Porche, and Josh and Samantha; cousins, Peter and Chris Gallanis, and Alexander and Antonia; cousin, Bess Gallanis, and Rick Hayes; cousins, Stephanie and Steve Hesser, and Benjamin Bulger, Bre, and Charlotte; cousin, Constance Murphy; and lifelong friends, Kris Malmborg and Tom Walworth, along with many other dear friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held at Creekview Conference Center at Old Kinderhook – 54 Club Pl, Camdenton, MO 65020 on July 18th, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. All are welcome and loved ones will be sharing their favorite stories around 2 p.m.

The family requests you to consider making a memorial donation to livabilities.org in Johnny's honor.

Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home.