Jeffrey Keith Benson

Jeff Benson

Jeffrey Keith Benson, of

Bossier City, Louisiana, died June 24, 2015, after a lengthy

illness. He was 50.

A native Louisianian, Benson was born March 4, 1965 in Springhill to Joann and Kenneth Benson. He attended Louisiana schools and was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University.

Benson, known to friends as Jeff, was a long-time editor for The Times, most recently serving as the paper's opinion page editor. He joined Gannett in 1999, first working in Shreveport and later in Monroe, and returning to Shreveport in 2010. During his time working for Gannett, Benson served as a copy editor, copy desk chief, page designer, writing coach, opinion page columnist and editor. He also worked for the Ruston Daily Leader from 1997-1999.

Benson is survived by his wife Karla and daughter Krysta; his father, Kenneth Benson and stepmother, Bonnie; mother, Joann Hale and stepfather, Charles Hale; sister, Crystal Browning and husband, Kevin Browning; stepsister, Miranda Stanford-Tyler and husband, Chris Tyler; and half-brother Quinten Mouser. A brother, Kevin Benson, died before him.

Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m., today (June 27) at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City. Funeral services are set for 3 p.m., Sunday (June 28) at the funeral home. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or to The Cancer Center - Willis Knighton Health System, 2600 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103.