Robert Palmer Benson Jr.

Robert Palmer Benson Jr., 83, passed away on September 23, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Born in 1942, in Louisville's Portland neighborhood, Bob was proud of his roots earning him the nickname "The Portland Kid". He grew up in a house built by his grandfather with his parents, grandparents, and five siblings. As a teenager, he worked as a paperboy for the Courier Journal, putting himself through school at St. Xavier High School, Bellarmine College and the University of Louisville School of Law. Bob met his partner in life, Donna Gocke where they raised a family together here in Louisville.

Bob built a distinguished legal career as a founding partner of Benson Byrne Risch & Lange and was a respected figure in Louisville's legal and civic communities. In 1973, he was elected to the Kentucky General Assembly, serving six years in the State House of Representatives. During his tenure, he co-sponsored landmark legislation including the Rape Shield Law, the Equal Rights Amendment, to name a few. A passionate advocate for civil rights, he championed causes supporting equality, desegregation, women's rights and disability rights.

His public service extended beyond the legislature, Bob chaired the Board of Trustees at the University of Louisville and the Athletics Board, was Chairman of the Board of Trustees at TARC (Transit Authority of River City) and deeply involved with the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund.

In his leisure time, Bob loved playing tennis, days at Churchill Downs, trips to Gulf Shores and San Diego to visit his kids and grandkids, watching the University of Louisville Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds games, birdwatching, reading as well as spending time with his family and friends.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Maria Gocke Benson; children Robert Palmer Benson III (Sarah) and Beth Benson Tully (Sean); grandchildren Robert Palmer Benson IV, Reece William Benson, Sage Maria Tully, Isla Rose Tully; siblings Dave Benson, Kathy Zurkuhlen, Marilyn Athey, sister-in-law Robyn Mclean (Paul), brother-in-law Dennis Tyler as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Mary Catherine Wentzel and Robert Palmer Benson Sr., father-in-law Robert Gocke, mother-in-law Shirley Gocke, son Craig Christopher Benson, siblings Connie Tyler, Ed Benson, brothers-in-law Tim Athey, Leo Zurkuhlen and sister-in-law Karen Gocke.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund, P.O. Box 21298, Louisville, KY 40221. As a member of the Kentucky State Legislature, Bob was instrumental in the creation of the non-profit organization in 1978 and provided legal representation for thirty years. The Fund provides medical and other benefits for the underrepresented in Kentucky's thoroughbred racing industry.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

May his memory bring joy and comfort to all who knew him.