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John Benson Obituary
On September 10, 2013, God extended His loving hand to John Joseph Benson (Jack, to all who knew him) and led him to His heavenly home to be joined once again with his life-long love, Doris. Jack's family, relatives, and friends grieve at his passing but take comfort knowing that he lived life with humor and passion and an unwavering devotion to family. Jack was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on May 15, 1923 to Samuel and Elizabeth Benson. Jack married Doris Marie Meeker in 1953 and devoted his life to his beautiful wife and the five children God blessed them with. Thirteen Grandchildren and seven Great-Grandchildren enriched their lives even more. Jack was a loving role model, excellent fisherman, singer, and the ultimate lover of desserts! A Master of witticisms and favorite sayings, his Grandchildren knew if you asked Pop a question, they had better be prepared for a lengthy answer! Jack loved music, and he was always willing to hum (actually, sing) a few bars for everyone and anyone who would listen. Jack joined the Air Force in 1943 and participated in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a 27 year long military career. He continued to touch lives with service work for the State of Texas and through teaching at Central Catholic High School. As a cherished substitute teacher at MacArthur High School for numerous years, "Mr. Benson" taught many a high schooler how to dance soft-shoe and sing the "Donut Song". Jack was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Doris, his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth, his brother, Sam, Jr. and sister, Betty. He is survived by his devoted children, son Chris (Jennifer) Benson, daughters Mary (Patrick) Stanchak, Barbara (Carlos) Madrid, Elizabeth (William) Hurt, all of San Antonio, Texas and Margie (David) Wilkins of Boise, Idaho; 13 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren. Family visitation will be at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX, 78218 on Monday, September 16, 2013 from 6-9pm with a rosary to be recited at 7pm. Jack's life will be celebrated with a Mass on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 10am at St. Pius X Church, 3303 Urban Crest, San Antonio, TX, 78209. Burial will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Vitas Hospice Care, 5430 Fredricksburg Rd. SAT 78229, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com
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Memories and Condolences
for John Benson
Ted Villalon
September 28, 2013
Please accept my condolences. Colonel Bensonwas my bookkeeping teacher at Central Catholic. A great teacher and a great man.
Susan Ehlinger Burrier
September 20, 2013
God's blessings to all the family as your father now has completed his task on earth for God. Mr. and Mrs. Benson were wonderful people and I will always remember the kindness and gracious demeanor. Love to you all.
Pat and Norm Phillips
September 16, 2013
I remember Jack fondly with his quick wit and big smile and seeing him walking to Mac HS to substitute. We all miss he and Doris, very special people!
Aaron Loewenberg
September 16, 2013
Mr. Benson was always such a joy to have in the classroom. I graduated 10 years ago but still remember him fondly.
Margaret Adams
September 16, 2013
I remember Mr. Benson from my time in high school. He was always our favorite substitute teacher. What a joy he was. My condolences.
Sally Nordman
September 15, 2013
Mr. and Mrs. Benson were a very kind pair. They always were generous with their time and I always loved visiting with them in the neighborhood. No matter if you saw them walking on the beach, coming out of church, or coming off the tennis court, they always made time to catch up. I was lucky to have their daughter Liz as a friend and I will never forget my first trip to Port A sleeping in the back of the Benson station wagon. My kids were lucky to have Mr. Benson as a sub at Mac. What fun stories they would come home and share. You will be missed.
Love, the Nordman Family
Meighan Meeker
September 15, 2013
As Jack would say, "Grieve not nor speak of me with tears. But laugh and talk as though I were beside you. I loved you so. 'Twas Heaven here with you."
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Memorial Events
for John Benson
Funeral services provided by:
Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218
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