David Lee Benson

David Lee Benson

Naples - After a long and vibrant life David Benson passed away peacefully on March 23, 2021. He was born on February 23, 1933 as the only child of Charles and Naoma Benson. He enrolled at Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio on an Athletic Scholarship. There he lettered in both Football and Baseball being elected Captain of that team his Senior Year. In addition, he won the all-campus Table Tennis and Golf Championships. He earned a Major in Marketing and Minors in Psychology, Speech and History.

Upon graduation from college he accepted a position with the Procter & Gamble Company in Sales. Following a number of various assignments he became the Manager of a six state area in the Packaged & Bar Soap Division and retired after a 38 year career with P&G.

He met the love of his life, Shirley, at Baldwin-Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. They were married for 67 years. Together they had five children - Steven, Los Angeles, CA: Michael, Naples, FL: Twins Christy and Cathy, Lorain, OH: Julie, Nashville, TN. He also leaves behind 13 Grandchildren and eight Great Grandchildren.

Dave was very involved in Church activities. He was President of two Lutheran Congregations and also served on both the Foundation and Human Resources Committees. He served as Northeastern Ohio Representative for the USGA. He was also very active in the Boy Scouts. As a former Eagle Scout with over 50 Merit Badges, he provided the encouragement for both of his sons to achieve that high honor. Dave also had the honor of throwing the first pitch at a Cleveland Indians major league game. He served on the Greens Committee and the Golf Committee at Country Clubs, and was elected President of Lakewood CC in Cleveland and Windstar CC in Naples. Upon moving to Moorings Park CCRC in 2009, he became active in the Foundation and the Building and Grounds Committee on which he served as the Chairman for seven years.

He was an avid and accomplished golfer winning the overall Club Championship at three different Clubs. The most recent was back to back Championships at Windstar CC in 2006 and 2007 at ages 73 and 74, maintaining a 5 handicap and shooting his age numerous times. Dave was very competitive in everything in which he participated. He was an outstanding athlete in virtually any sport.

By far the most important thing for him was his wife and his family. He felt most fortunate to have Shirley at his side over the years as they both enjoyed Golf and Travel to see much of the World. He was very proud of his Sons and Daughters with their families and the many successes they have accomplished.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 3, he and Shirley's 67th Wedding Anniversary, at Bower Chapel at Moorings Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 777 Mooring Line Drive, Naples, FL 34102. On line condolences at www.fullernaples.com