BILL BENSON

Final Flight on November 28, 2012

Bill Benson, USAF (Retired)

June 30, 1930 - November 28, 2012

Our beloved Bill went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. He was born on June 3, 1930 in Tahoka, Texas, the youngest of nine children, to the late J.P. and Trannie Benson. In 1935, they moved to Brownfield and ten years later he moved to Santa Rosa, Calf., graduating from high school in May, 1947.

After graduation from high school, Bill joined the National Guard. In 1952, he enlisted in the US Air Force and became a Helicopter Engineer and Technician and served World Wide as needed in Japan, Eniwetok, Philippines, Okinawa, Viet Nam, Thailand, Korea and two tours in Washington D.C. with the presidential helicopters. Bill worked typhoon and flood relief in Japan in 1959. He was awarded thirteen medals and ribbons, including five air Medals. Bill retired from the USAF in 1972 and moved to Seminole and worked as a banker.

He married Elizabeth Ann Herron on June 29, 1974 in Idalou and they lived in Lubbock until Aug. 1976 before moving back to Seminole. In Aug., 1990 they returned back to Lubbock, where they lived until his death. He was an extrovert, never meeting a stranger. Bill was aware of world events and was current in many subjects. He was a member of the V.F.W. and the Downtown Bible Class.

Bill is survived by his wife; one son and daughter-in-law of Madisonville, Kentucky; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren and two brothers.

We would like to give a special thank you to Drs. Piyush Mittal and Jeremy Brown and the Hospice of Lubbock staff for your loving care for Bill and genuine concern for our family during his last days.

Memorials are suggested to the South Plains Food Bank, 4610 Locust Ave., Lubbock, Texas 79404.

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~

"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

~NEVER FORGOTTEN~