Roy L. Benson

Lima

Roy L. Benson, 85, of Lima, formerly of Robinson, Ill., died at 5:55 a.m. Dec. 27, 2009, at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 21, 1924, near Palestine, Ill., to Henderson Lee and Ruth Swinger Benson, who preceded him in death. On May 29, 1942, he married Laura L. Hunt, who died Dec. 14, 1977. On March 7, 1979, he married Ruby M. Love Coffee, who survives in Lima.

Mr. Benson was a retired terminal manager with Marathon Oil Co., where he had worked from 1952 to 1985. He was a member of Cridersville United Methodist Church, Cridersville. He was a World War II Army Corps veteran, a life member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54, Lima. He was also a member of American Legion Post 96, Lima.

Survivors also include a son, Gregory L. (Jeff Thomas) Benson, of Cridersville; three daughters, Reida (Sonny) Foust, of Lima, and Carol Hanes and Shirley (Riki) Parker, both of Broaddus, Texas; 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson; a brother, Max (Marilyn) Benson, of Princeton, W.Va.; and a sister-in-law, Mary Benson, of Palestine, Ill.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray (Ellen Louise) Benson and Glen Benson; and a sister, Eva Mae (Harry Allen) Lawhead.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. The Rev. Max Benson and the Rev. Jerry Wiles will officiate. Graveside services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Oak Grove Cemetery, near Palestine, Ill.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cridersville United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.bayliffandson.com.