Born July 4, 1927 in Peoria to Ernst and Emmy (Hanson) Benson, he married Lucille Strubhar in August 1950. He later married Carol Kindred-Deere on July 22, 1985 in Monroe, Wisconsin. She survives.
Also surviving are his two sons, Jeffrey Benson of Knoxville, Tennessee and James (Denise) Benson of Tucson, Arizona; one stepdaughter, Connie (Van) Pitts of Tacoma, Washington; four granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Janis Benson; two brothers and two sisters.
Melvin was a United States Army Veteran, where he served in the Korean War.
He worked at Keystone Wire & Steel Co. in Bartonville for 41 years, retiring in 1989.
Melvin was a hardworking man who loved spending time with his family.
His memorial service will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and wearing of masks will be followed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, 2141 West White Oaks Drive, #A, Springfield, Illinois, 62704 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-haney.com
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