Francis L. Benson

Francis L. ""Bud"" Benson, age 93, beloved husband, father and grandpa, passed away on Monday the 4th of September at his home. He was born August 20, 1924 in Denver to Frank and Lucille Benson. Mr. Benson is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Benson; his son, Leo Benson; his daughter, Mary McGregor; six grandchildren and many friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory; and his sisters Madonna and Florence. Francis is a veteran of World War II, where he served in the Pacific from 1943 to 1946. He was initially assigned to the destroyer USS O'Neil which took part in many operations in the Philippines including the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. During the extended Okinawa operations, the O'Neil shot down a Japanese bomber and was then struck by a kamikaze suicide plane, resulting in extensive damage, wounding many and killing two. After the war ended, the O'Neil returned for repairs, and Mr. Benson was transferred to the USS Wasbash where he served out the rest of his active duty. Bud grew up in near Denver in Globeville. He excelled in baseball where he was drafted to play in the St. Louis Cardinal's organization. His baseball career was sidetracked when he was drafted to serve in the Navy. After the war, he worked as a flight navigator for Continental Airlines for several years. Bud then joined Shell Oil as a chemist working at their manufacturing and processing facility at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. He finished his career with EG&G at Rocky Flats where he worked on the cleanup plan for the plant. Bud was a man of strong faith and a loving family man. He enjoyed coaching baseball and football, gardening, fishing, camping and decorating his home for the holidays. He will be dearly missed. A Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2017 with the Rosary beginning at 10:00 AM and the Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 AM both at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 900 West Midway Boulevard, Broomfield, Colorado. A Graveside service with Navy Honors will be held on Friday, October 6, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. Memorial donations may be made in Bud's honor to: Rocky Mountain Conservancy Attn: Donations PO Box 3100 Estes Park, Colorado 80517 Lutheran Hospice 3210 North Lutheran Parkway Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 You may also make donations in Bud's honor to a charity of your choice. Please share your memories of Bud and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.