Roy Allen Benson

The family of Allen Benson is saddened to share the news of his unexpected passing on June 7, 2024 in Henderson, NV. Allen, born to his late parents William and Faye Benson on April 1, 1948 in Oklahoma City, OK leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and adventure. He is deeply missed and survived by his wife, Pat Benson; his daughter, Desiree Benson; and his grandchildren, Jackson and Colten Avery.

A Vietnam Veteran, he served as a Captain in the Army as a Helicopter Pilot from Nov. 1969 to Mar. 1974 receiving a number of accolades and medals including, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, W/DV60, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and Aviator Badge.

Following a successful Military career and honorable discharge, he then completed his Bachelor’s Degree at North Texas State University, leading to a prosperous 30 year Sales & Marketing career at Ford Motor Company. During his tenure at Ford Motor Company, he rose through the ranks and held a number of senior Sales and Marketing positions across many states. He concluded his career with an overseas assignment in Bangkok, Thailand where he also met his wife, Pat Benson.

Never one to sit idle, Allen enjoyed travel, golf, scuba diving, and spending time with friends and family, always with Pat, the love of his life, by his side. Together they traveled the world, often in the great company of long-time friends. One his greatest sources of pride and joy, were his daughter, Desiree and his two grandsons, Jackson and Colten, who he was exceptionally close with.

While he fought unforeseen health challenges his last six months of life, he passed peacefully with his family at his bedside and made his ultimate tee-time in the sky. Allen will be honored in a private cremation with family, with a celebration of life to follow. For now, we who loved him most, honor his memory and the countless contributions and wisdom he shared with us, with gratitude, self-reflection, and a healthy dose of humor that he was well known for. While not his words, they reflect his zest for life, adventure, and the many good memories and stories that will live on in his memory:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, Wow! What a Ride!” (Hunter S. Thompson)

The family respectfully asks in lieu of flowers, to honor his memory and impact through the donation to any of the following charities in his name:

- The Ocean CleanUp Project: https://theoceancleanup.com/donate/

- Oceana https://oceana.org/

- Thai temple: Wat Nevada Dhammaram (Please coordinate donations directly with Pat)