John Benson

Mr. John Bernard Benson, 90, died at Villages on MacArthur on June 24, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Marie, his parents Louis and Elizabeth, brothers Ralph and Carl as well as one sister Claire Cady.

John is survived by his son Michael Louis Benson and his wife Denise, Lexington, Ohio; his daughter Elizabeth Ruth Herrington and her husband Jason, Irving, Texas; one nephew Dr. Louis Byron Cady of Evansville, Indiana and family; his niece Sherry Teer Colson, Bransford, MS and nephew Homer Perry Jr, Coaling, AL; and grand nieces and nephew Kaitlyn, Payton and Drew Colson.

Mr. Benson was a graduate of Magnolia High School, AR, Berea College, KY, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, AR and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, where he completed the Diploma of Advanced Studies. He also completed Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) certification at George Williams College in Chicago.

He served as a camp counselor at Camp Nebagamon for Boys in Wisconsin and with the Boy Scouts at Camp Logoly in Arkansas. He spoke fondly of these memories and the many young men he mentored. These camp stories were some of his favorite to share through the years and always brought a smile to his face.

Mr. Benson loved to teach and began that chapter of his life at Union Elementary School in Texarkana, Arkansas. Following that position, he taught high school Sociology and junior high Geography in the Springdale, Arkansas school system and served as Principal at Elm Springs School (AR). From 1968-1996, Mr. Benson served as Professor of Psychology and Sociology at Texarkana Community College (TCC). He was also proud of his work as a reviewer for countless Psychology/Sociology textbooks and incorporated those textbooks and study guides into the courses he was privileged to teach. He also taught courses in Social Problems and Marriage and the Family at TCC. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity during his tenure at TCC and held organizational offices associated with programming.

Finally, Mr. Benson was honored to serve in the United States Army from 1954-56 as PFC as a Chaplain’s Assistant and was stationed at Camp Drake in Tokyo, Japan.

A private family graveside funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Bruce Bennett.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 6th and Laurel, Texarkana, Arkansas where he taught Sunday school and worshipped.