William "Bill" Dean Benson

William “Bill” Dean Benson, age 83, passed away on October 6, 2026. Bill was born on March 2, 1943, in Davenport, Iowa, to Phillip and Ella Benson. He is remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a gifted storyteller, and a lifelong student of history whose legacy is marked by love, curiosity, faith, and service.

Bill grew up on a farm in rural eastern Nebraska alongside his sister, Barbara. The steady lessons of farm life—its work, its challenges, and its simple joys—helped form the resourcefulness and diligence that remained with him throughout his life, along with an enduring affection for animals, the land, and the values he carried wherever he went.

Bill served his country in the United States Air Force and attained the rank of Airman First Class. He later earned a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Development from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Over the years, Bill lived in communities throughout Texas and Oklahoma before settling in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Bill’s love of history and people guided a distinguished career devoted to preserving the stories of the American West. He served as museum curator at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame; executive director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Foundation and the Cattleman’s Museum in Fort Worth, Texas; executive director of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan, Oklahoma; and executive director of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation in Sugar Land, Texas. He also served on the staff of the First Americans Museum, reflecting his lifelong interest in—and respect for—Native American histories and cultures.

Through family-history research, photography, and documentary work, Bill helped preserve the legacies of some of Texas’s most renowned ranches and ranching families, including the 6666 Ranch, King Ranch, Waggoner Ranch, and Matador Ranch. His historical documentary books and photographic memory books reflected careful attention to detail and a conviction that every person’s story mattered. He also expressed his patriotism through his short film, "The Voice of Freedom". In all he did, Bill brought dedication and perseverance to the work of connecting people with the generations who came before them.

On April 18, 1992, Bill married Judi Long. Together, they shared more than 34 years of marriage, building a life grounded in love, companionship, and faith. Bill’s relationship with God and Jesus Christ grew deeper over time, nurtured by Judi’s love, encouragement, and example. He was Lutheran and a 33rd Degree Inspector General Freemason.

Above all, Bill treasured his family. His wife, children, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were among his greatest joys. From his first marriage to Susan, Bill welcomed his beloved daughter, Melissa “Missy.” Though Missy preceded him in death, Bill’s love for her remained an enduring part of his life and his family’s story.

Bill had a rare gift for meeting people and bringing their histories to life. With thoughtful attention and genuine enthusiasm, he could turn an ordinary conversation into a story worth keeping. He encouraged others to honor different cultures, recognize the value in every person, and follow their own paths with a steady sense of purpose and adventure.

His many interests included photography, gardening, genealogy, birding, weather watching, storm chasing, hunting dove and pheasant, raising animals, and caring for pets. He enjoyed country and western music, television documentaries, track and field, and cheering for University of Nebraska football and the Dallas Cowboys. His affection for the American West extended to its landscapes, ranching traditions, cowboy culture, and Native American peoples.

Bill’s protective nature was another expression of his love. Carefully secured doors, armed security systems, flashlights within reach, and extra supplies tucked away reflected his determination to keep those he loved safe. Being “prepared for anything” was simply part of being Bill.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Ella Benson, and his daughter, Melissa “Missy” Horton.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife, Judi Benson; his son, Randall Benson, and daughter-in-law, Heather, of Portland, Oregon; his sister, Barbara Duke, and her husband, Roger, of Austin, Texas; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on October 12, 2026, at Primrose Funeral Service, 3901 N Flood Ave., Norman, OK 73069.