Larry Lee Benson played many roles in his life, but he was happiest when serving the nation and its youth.
Larry, who was born Dec. 20, 1935, died peacefully Saturday night, Sept. 24, 2022, at the age of 86, surrounded by family members. Larry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eva (Atkinson) Benson, son Randy (wife Karen), daughters Margie Quarterman Case (husband Brad) and Lori Graham (husband Tom). Larry is also survived by seven grandchildren: Tia Benson, Mitchell Benson, Ryan Case (wife Audrey), Bryan Quarterman (wife Shelby), Kayla Quarterman Collins (husband Jason), Torey Graham (wife Kristina) and Bryce Graham (wife Honey) along with nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Louis (Red) Benson and Marjorie (Tipton) Benson along with siblings Beth Davis and Steve Benson and son-in-law Tony Quarterman.
Larry graduated from Lincoln High School in January 1954 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy a month later, beginning a military career of more than 30 years that included service in the Navy, Air Force, California Air National Guard, Indiana National Guard, Indiana Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. He retired from the military as a chief master sergeant, the highest enlisted rank.
For many years after retiring from the military, Larry loved putting on his Air Force uniform — bragging that it still fit — to speak at veterans events at local elementary schools. He was selected to attend an Honor Flight for veterans to Washington, D.C., in 2019.
Larry was a devoted fan of the Lincoln Alices, signing up on the waiting list to get the coveted chair seats at Adams Coliseum immediately upon returning to Vincennes from California in 1968. He attended Lincoln football and basketball games for the rest of his life.
Larry, who had been a Boy Scout in his youth, worked with others at North United Methodist Church to form Cub Scout Pack 213 in the early 1970s and served as its first Cubmaster. Pack 213 eventually spawned Boy Scout Troop 213, which became one of the largest troops in Knox County with several scouts obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He took pride that his son Randy and grandson Toey both were Eagle Scouts.
In March 1983, the Buffalo Trace Council presented Larry with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service, the highest Boy Scout honor for adult volunteers. Larry remained active in Scouting, serving in a wide variety of roles, until recently.
Larry’s faith was important in his life. He had attended North United Methodist as a youth and became very active in the church upon his return to Indiana. He enjoyed working on the church’s annual sale of Christmas trees. When the church founded All God’s Children, a youth singing group, In the 1970s, he loved accompanying the group to its performances around the state.
He served on numerous committees and worked many events at the church but perhaps the role enjoyed the most was serving on the board of trustees, which was in charge of caring for the building and grounds. He remained active when the church merged with others to form Community United Methodist.
Larry was a member of Masonic Lodge #1 AF&AM, where he served as worshipful master. He also was a member of Vincennes Chapter #291 and Washington Chapter #210 Order of the Eastern Star, serving as worthy patron for several years. His love of youth led him to become involved with Vincennes Bethel #10 International Order of Job’s Daughters. He served as associate bethel guardian and grand chaplain for the Indiana Grand Guardian Council.
An electrician by trade, Larry worked at Crane Naval Base upon his return to Indiana before accepting a job at the Prestolite battery factory in Vincennes for several years until the plant closed in 1985. Larry finished his career working for the State of Indiana, first at the Air National Guard base in Terre Haute then at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle.
After his retirement, Larry, who had earned an associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force, became a substitute teacher for several years at Clark Middle School and Lincoln High School, where he was popular with students and faculty alike.
Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday and 9:30-10:30 Friday with services immediately following at Community United Methodist Church, 1548 S Hart St., Vincennes, IN 4791.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the youth group at Community United Methodist Church or the Vincennes Education Foundation, 229 Church St., Vincennes, IN 47591.
Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Larry.
