MSG Elmer Benson Jr. USAF (Ret.)

Master Sergeant Elmer Benson, Jr., beloved son of the late Velma Clara Benson and Elmer J.D. Benson was born on June 17, 1940, in Ottawa, Kansas. He was baptized on October 27, 1940, by Rev. E.G. Greene at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Ottawa, Kansas, and was read into full membership on November 22, 1953, by Rev. R.P. Hobson. Elmer joined Grace Christian Center, Denver, CO, on May 2, 2020. Elmer was raised in Ottawa and graduated from Ottawa High School in 1958.

In December 1958, Elmer enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, he was transferred to Offutt AFB, NE, where he served one year. He was transferred to Hamilton AFB, CA, where he served from December 1961 to June 1965. From June 1965 to March 1967, Elmer was assigned to Kadena AB, Okinawa. From March 1967 to August 1969, he served at Lowry AFB, CO. In August 1969 he was transferred to Udorn AB, Thailand. From August 1970 to June 1973, he was stationed at Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan. He was then transferred to USSOUTHCOM, Quarry Heights, Canal Zone. He retired at Hamilton AFB, CA, on June 1, 1983. He then became a mail carrier with the Post Office in Vacaville, CA.

Elmer was an accomplished self-taught musician. From the time he was a little boy he loved jazz. He taught himself how to play drums, piano, organ and had a beautiful voice. While in high school he formed a progressive jazz sextet called the Lo-Kings who made their radio debut in 1957. While in the military, he formed several jazz groups. During high school, Elmer began handling puppets and pulling strings for marionettes. He became so intrigued that he started making his own and doing performances for children around the neighborhood and city. He also collected and loved model trains which he always loved to show everyone in his basement.

Elmer was preceded in death by his wife, Bobby Ann Benson, his sisters, Helen Louise Benson and Gloria Jean Harvey, brother, John E. Benson, and son, Armond Benson. Elmer leaves to cherish his memories: one sister, Joy K. Burnett; of Denver, CO; one daughter, Rebecca Benson, Dixon, CA, two sons, George Benson, Covelo, CA, Todd Benson, Caldwell, ID, 2 Granddaughters, Tahnee Bunyan, Dixon, CA, Nevaeh Benson, Caldwell, ID, 3 Great Grandsons, Kenyon Benson, J’Ceon Graves, Legacy Thomas, Dixon, CA, three nieces, Kathleen D. (Stephen) Carter and Gwen L. Burnett, of Denver, CO, Johnette Burnett of Orange Park, FL, one nephew, Brian K. Burnett, Sr. of Orange Park, FL, two great nephews, Michael Burnett, Denver, CO, Brian K. Burnett, Jr.; Orange Park, FL, four great nieces, Nicole Anderson, Denver, CO, and Danielle Williams, Omaha, NE, Brianna and Brij’ana Burnett, Orange Park, FL, and a host of other relatives and friends.