John Marston Benz, 83, passed away on December 4, 2025. Born on March 28, 1942, John lived a quiet, meaningful life marked by independence, integrity, and devotion to his family, friends, and community.
A lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama, John worked in local news television at both FOX 10 and WKRG for several decades as a Mass Communications engineer. Known for his meticulous knowledge of technology and craftsmanship, he took pride in doing things the right way, and in helping others solve problems. He pursued his education at Spring Hill College, and graduated at The University of West Alabama he also, attended graduate school of Business at the University of Alabama during the Vietnam war, a time that shaped his generation and informed his lifelong interest in news television.
Outside of his profession, John was deeply engaged in music and sound. An avid recording enthusiast, he spent countless hours recording music and experimenting with audio equipment. Over the years, he designed and built speaker systems, and his own recording studio from the ground up, teaching himself both the technical and artistic aspects of sound engineering. Friends and family remember his pride in perfecting a mix, restoring vintage equipment, and sharing recordings he carefully crafted.
John was also thoughtfully engaged in politics. He believed in equality, fairness, and the responsibility of government to serve the common good for everyone. He often reflected on leadership during times of national hardship, and held a particular admiration for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal era, which he viewed as an example of compassion, resilience, and commitment to working people. These convictions were not abstract ideas to John, but values that shaped his worldview and informed many of his conversations. Those who knew him well remember his thoughtful discussions, always grounded in a sincere hope for a more honest, just, and humane democracy for the country he loved.
John never married and had no children, but he maintained close bonds with his extended family and friends. He shared a loving relationship with his nephew, John William Richardson, admiring his artistic talent and creativity, and they held a special place in each other’s hearts; John Benz mourned his nephew’s passing, openly and with great love.
He is survived by his sister Sarah Phillips, and brother in law Peter Phillips, his nieces Lauren Phillips, and her husband Micheal Uppendahl, Olivia Phillips; his grandnieces Riley Richardson, Opal Uppendahl, and his grandnephew Eamon Uppendahl. He is also survived by his many loving cousins with whom he was close.
He was preceded in his passing by his parents, Leonard William Benz and Eleanor Marston Benz.
Public viewing will be held on Sunday, December 21, at Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36606, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 1458 Old Shell Rd. at the corner of North Lafayette Street, Mobile, AL 36604.
John will be remembered for his creativity, the quiet passion with which he pursued the things he loved, but, most of all, for his gentle kindness and sensitivity toward others.
