Thomas H. "Tom" BENSON

BENSON, GRAHAM, YASHACK, MCLAUGHLIN, WESTMORELAND

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 5/27/2009 at 02:00:01

OBITUARY - THOMAS H. BENSON

Thomas H. "Tom" BENSON, a lifetime resident of this community died Sunday morning at the home of his sister, Mrs. Harry GRAHAM. Mr. BENSON had been in failing health in recent months but became seriously ill only a few day before his death. He collapsed at the A. H. YASHACK garage Friday morning and was taken to the home of his sister.

"Tom" as he was known to all our people was a familiar figure about town, and had a great many friends who will feel keenly the loss of a good friend. For many years he was employed by the Chicago Great Western Bridge crew and except for this period a employment here had spent his entire lifetime in this community. He was genuinely interested in people and this interest gained him the friendship of young and old alike.

He was an ardent follower of basketball and other sports and until the last year or so was a faithful follower of the high school team wherever they went. He was a dependable friend and a good citizen.

Funeral services were held yesterday [Wednesday] afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in the local Methodist Church. The Rev. Forrest BACK our pastor of the Nazarene Church in charge. Interment was in Knowlton [Centenary] cemetery.

Thomas H. BENSON , son of J. A. and Melissa BENSON was born Dec. 28, 1872 and passed away March 5, 1944 at the home of his sister, Mrs. Henry GRAHAM at the age of 71 years, 2 months and 7 days.

He was a lifelong resident of the Diagonal Community, where his kindly ways and helpful acts earned him the friendship and respect of every one with whom he came in contact.

He became a member of the Methodist Church in 1913 under the pastorate of the Rev. Charles M. EDMONDSON.

He is survived by four sisters and three brothers, Mrs. John GRAHAM, Mrs. Henry GRAHAM of Diagonal, Iowa, Mrs. Eva HICKMAN and Mrs. Minnie (McLAUGHLIN) WESTMORELAND Moreland of California, Art BENSON of Diagonal, Iowa, Will BENSON of Des Moines, Iowa and Abe BENSON of Treynon, Iowa. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews, other relations and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers Jim and Dave and two sisters, Lury and Laura.

NOTE: There is no gravestone for Thomas BENSON.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2009