Larry R. Benson

Larry graduated from U.S. Grant High School in 1962. He attended Central State College (now UCO) in Edmond and Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, OK. In 2019, Larry was recognized and awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from Southwestern and inducted into their Music Hall of Fame.

Larry married Diana Keen on June 24, 1967. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Together, they owned and operated Benson Sound Incorporated in Oklahoma City for 55 years.

During his youth, Larry spent his time building transistor radios and soap box derby cars, and riding around the state on his Cushman Eagle scooter. He was always interested in electronics, but his passion for music led him to tour with different gospel music groups, like the Imperials. Supportive teachers and mentors along with these touring experiences helped him to connect his talents and abilities into a lifelong career in music and ministry. It began as a small recording studio and developed over the years to include EncoreTrax (soundtracks), computer systems, as well as sound, lights, and video installations for churches and other businesses.

Larry had the privilege of recording several artists including Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Conway Twitty and many of you sitting here with us today. He was also a songwriter and wrote the title song for The Oak Ridge Boys’ album Thanks. Larry recorded Conway Twitty singing “Hello, Darlin’” in Russian in 1975. This version was commissioned for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. This was the first joint space flight between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The American astronauts played this song as a gesture of peace and goodwill toward the Russians.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Diana; two daughters, DeShannon Haynes and husband Tim of Oklahoma City and Melissa Clark and husband Nick of Mountain View, OK; five grandchildren, Callie Haynes, Joel Haynes and fiancée Cierra Webb, Mia Haynes, Brooke Clark, and Lyla Clark.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Rosie Lee Benson; three brothers, Bill Benson, Bob Benson, Paul Benson; and three sisters, Nadine Wilkerson, Bonnie Sheaffer, and Mary Ellen Benson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made in Memory of Larry R. Benson to Christ Family Church, 932 S.W. 86th, OKC, OK 73139 or Bethesda Church, 3101 S.W. 89th, OKC, OK 73159.

Funeral services for Larry R. Benson, 78, of Oklahoma City, OK will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2023 at Bethesda Church, 3101 S.W. 89th Street in Oklahoma City. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, July 30, 4-6 p.m. at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home of OKC.