Clarence Junior "Stiffy" Benson

While holding the hands of his grandchildren and surrounded by family, Clarence Junior Benson peacefully passed away in his home on November 25, 2018.  Clarence or “Stiffy” as he was fondly known, was born August 21, 1928, in Parowan, Utah, to Clarence and Ester Mae Lee Benson.  Stiffy had nine brothers and sisters and at the age of ninety was the last surviving child of “Clad” and Mae.

 

During his younger years, he began his lifetime commitment to working hard and serving others.  Stiffy had a kind spirit and always extended a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors alike. He was not a man of many words, being quiet by nature, but the few phrases he put together were part of his impeccable wit and charm.

 

Stiffy shared many fond memories of his school years and classmates while attending school in Parowan and kept many life-time friends who enjoyed his sense of humor and pleasant demeanor.  

 

Upon graduation from Parowan High School, he worked at Union Pacific Railroad until he was drafted into the Army.  Stiffy served two years while stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict.

 

Clarence Junior Benson married Wanda Hunt on February 27, 1954, in Paragonah, Utah.  Together they raised three children:  Deborah Jean Benson of Parowan, Utah; Denise (Ed) Hagman of Herriman, Utah; Patrick (Alana) Benson of Parowan, Utah.  

 

Stiffy was a family man who practiced kindness, patience, generosity, and love as he raised his children.  He was never cross with them and quietly showed his affection.  His loving spirit was evidenced by his complete devotion to being a grandpa.  He spent countless hours with his two grandchildren:  Chennin (Ryan) Armstrong and Shaydon Benson.

 

Stiffy worked various jobs throughout his life. At a young age he began herding turkeys and developed his life-long love of farming.  He worked at Union Pacific Railroad for 27 years, and also the Iron Mines west of Cedar City.   In 1981, Stiffy and Wanda purchased the Iron County Nursing Home where he began a long career of caretaking, service, and compassion which was always shown to both his patients and employees.  He continued as the nursing home administrator until it was sold in 1994; however, for several more years he chose to stay working in the place he loved.

 

 

Throughout his married life, service was important to both Stiff and Wanda. Stiff was an active member in the American Legion, where he paid tribute to many veterans at their graveside services. Additionally, he was instrumental in the mapping of the Parowan Cemetery, helping to identify the veterans from World War I to the present. Remarkably, Stiff and Wanda decorated the Veterans’ graves on Memorial Day for over 50 years.   For their outstanding service, both were recognized as Parowan Citizens of the year in 2010.

 

Clarence Junior Benson is survived by his three children; two grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wanda, and siblings.

 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 1 at 11:00 AM in the Parowan 1st Ward Chapel.  A viewing will precede the service from 9:30-10:30 AM.  Interment services will be in the Paragonah Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.

 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends and relatives who have shown compassionate care and support.