Lyle Benson's Obituary
Lyle Elwell Benson, son of Lyle Edward and Lydia Anne Deweese Benson, was born May 5, 1930 in Van Dyke, Michigan. He departed this life Saturday, February 14, 2009 in Select Specialty Hospital, Springfield, Missouri at the age of seventy-eight years, nine months, and nine days. On December 25, 1948, Lyle was united in marriage to Margaret Elizabeth Smith and to this union eight children were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Antoinette Benson; two brothers, Bill Benson and Henry Tomes; a step-brother, Jimmy Shaffer; and Hank Kubic, who was like a son to Lyle.
Lyle is survived by his loving wife Margaret of the home; seven children, Lyle William “Sonny” Benson and wife Faye of Long Lane, Missouri, Larry Benson of Flat Rock, Michigan, Beverly Benson of Hartville, Missouri, Ronnie Benson and wife Vickie and Marlene Sawyers and husband Roger, all of Seymour, Missouri, Timothy Benson and Kimberly Benson, both of Hartville, Missouri; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and two greatly anticipated great-grandchildren; a sister, Deliah Quillan and husband JR of Gates City, Virginia; two step-brothers, Charlie Shaffer of South Haven, Michigan and Harry Shaffer of Salinas, California; a number of nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends.
Lyle was born in Michigan and spent all of his childhood in the Van Dyke area. In June of 1946, Lyle joined the United States Army and faithfully served his country. After his marriage to Margaret in 1948, he re-enlisted in the Army. Lyle and Margaret made their home in the Detroit, Michigan area until moving to Hartville in 1971 where he would spend the rest of his life.
He worked several years as an over the road truck driver for many different companies.
In his spare time, Lyle enjoyed collecting coins and stamps, fishing, watching wrestling on television, and listening to bluegrass music.
Lyle was a people person who never met a stranger. He was kind, caring and was friendly to everyone, and to his children he was the greatest father in the world.
Lyle was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Lyle Elwell Benson will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2009 in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Hartville, Missouri. Burial with full military honors will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Graff, Missouri. Visitation will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday evening in the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Hartville.
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