Jerry Harley Benson

Jerry Harley Benson, 89, of Lancaster, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He was born in Carroll, Ohio on September 13, 1936, to the late Halvin V. and Mary E. Benson. Jerry retired from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control and served in the Chillicothe and Westerville Police Departments. He also served as special security with the US Marshall Service for the Federal Courthouse Building. He was a 50-year member of the Scioto Masonic Lodge #6, as well as the Fairfield County Pilots Association and the Fairfield County Historical Aircraft Society. He was proud to have received his Master Pilot Award from the Pilots Association. Jerry was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and served in the community kitchen for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Virginia Benson; children, Lorilei (Scott) Kitzmiller and Jerry H. (Linda) Benson II; grandson, Nick (Maryssa) Kitzmiller; great-granddaughter, Madelyn Kitzmiller and many loved nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Halvin “Jack” Benson, and Robert (Rosie) Benson; sister, Jean Ann (Louis) Warthman; and grandson, Erich Kitzmiller.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 1PM at the HALTEMAN-FETT & DYER FUNERAL HOME. Burial is to follow at Betzer Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11AM-1PM on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either: Fairfield County Pilots Association (3430 Old Columbus Road NW

Carroll, Ohio 43112) or the Fairfield County Historical Aircraft Society (3266 Old Columbus Road Carroll, Ohio 43112) or FairHoPe Hospice (282 Sells Road Lancaster, Ohio 43130) in memory of Jerry.