Frank Steenrod Benson III

Frank S. Benson III passed away peacefully on the morning of March 7th, surrounded by the love of his family. Known for his adventurous spirit, quiet strength, easy humor, and deep commitment to those he loved, Frank lived a life rich in family, friendship, and community.

Born February 1, 1952, in Lancaster, Ohio, Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy Casto Benson and Frank S. Benson Jr.

A 1970 graduate of Columbus Academy, Frank went on to earn his degree from the School of Management at Babson College. In April 1975, after a yearlong sailing voyage, he joined CASTO, a third generation family business at the time, beginning his five-decade commitment to the company and the communities it serves. As a partner, he helped guide the company’s long-term growth with steady judgment, disciplined leadership, and genuine warmth that earned the respect and friendship of colleagues across the industry.

Frank believed deeply in giving back and served as a board member to many organizations that strengthen communities across Central Ohio, including Star Bank, The Buckeye Ranch, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), Columbus School for Girls, and Babson College. He was also passionate about supporting research efforts for pulmonary fibrosis and a generous donor to the OSU Medical Center.

Above all, Frank was devoted to his family and brought a sense of fun and adventure to the life they shared. He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife, Jewel, whom he married in 1988. Their partnership was defined by loyalty, resilience, and unwavering care. He is also survived by his four children: Sarah Benson Hatcher, Lisa Benson Meuse, Frank S. Benson IV, and Elizabeth Benson Overholt (Beau). He was proudly known as “Papa” to his seven beloved grandchildren: Madelyn, Emmy and Charlotte Meuse; Cal, Ross and Maeve Hatcher; and Rowan Frances Overholt - each of whom brought him immeasurable pride and joy. He also had a special place in his heart for the beloved family dogs who brought him great companionship and comfort over the years.

He is further survived by his devoted friend and mother-in-law, Patricia Price; his sisters, Nancy Wibbelsman and Libby Benson; his brother- and sister-in-law, David and Sue Price; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

An avid sailor, Frank cherished time on the water - especially at Buckeye Lake, in Florida, and at Walloon Lake, where he made many of his happiest memories with friends and family.

In 2019, Frank received the extraordinary gift of a lung transplant from a selfless donor, granting his family nearly seven more years with him. We are forever grateful to his donor and their family. We also have boundless gratitude to Joan Orndorff, Frank’s executive assistant and friend of nearly two decades, whose living kidney donation further extended his life. Joan’s generosity, loyalty, and love made her not only a colleague, but family in every sense of the word.

The family would like to thank the remarkable doctors, surgeons, nurses, and staff at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for their incredible care and compassion throughout Frank’s journey.

Frank’s presence will forever be felt in the places and pastimes he loved most - in sailboats catching wind, on the golf course with friends, behind the wheel of a fast car, carving down a ski slope, and in the familiar notes of a favorite Jimmy Buffett song.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Frank’s incredible life on Saturday, March 28 from 3-6pm at The Columbus Club. Arrangements are entrusted to Schoedinger Northeast.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank and Jewel Benson Fund for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research

https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/316020 ; OR

Lifeline of Ohio In Memory of Frank Benson and in Honor of Joan Orndorff. Mail to: Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement. Inc., P.O. Box 632013, Cincinnati, OH 45263-2013770

https://lifelineofohio-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1404635