William Jesse Benson

William Jesse Benson, age 94, Logansport, passed away at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, in Lake Placid, Florida.

Born November 13, 1922, in Logansport, he was the son of William Jacob and Faye Laysine Callaway Benson.

He was married to Shirley Jean Reed, who preceded him in death on June 2, 2013.

Jesse was employed as a fireman, later engineer, for the Pennsylvania Railroad/ConRail, from where he retired. He was also a farmer in Noble Township.

He was a member of Tipton Lodge #33, Fort Wayne Scottish Rite, Murat Temple and Logansport Shrine Club. He supported Shriners’ Hospitals for Children.

A 1940 graduate of Royal Center High School, Jesse enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943 and served during World War II. He was an engineer equipment operator, which was a fancy term for a “demolition man” as Jesse once remarked. He was also within 200 yards of Iwo Jima when the flag was raised. During his war-time service he was engaged in the Japanese front, serving in several locations.

Surviving are sons, Curtis (Peggy) Benson, Lucerne, and Stanley Benson, Carthage, Texas; five grandchildren, Joshua Benson, Stephanie Frank, Tony (Angie) Corn, Jerica (Phil) Weaver and Linsey (Kyle) Reed; seven great grandchildren, Joshua Benson, Jr., Elaine Frank, Jenna Weaver, Blaine Weaver, Eli Reed, Loralei Reed and Rheatta Reed; several nieces and nephews.

Four brothers, Willard, Perry, Marion and Guy, sister, Iris Harry, step-brother, John Ridenour and step-sister, Carolyn Ridenour, preceded him in death.

The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2017, at Kroeger Funeral Home, with Kelly Spencer officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Davis Cemetery, Burnettsville.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, also at Kroeger Funeral Home, where a Masonic Service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Shrine Club tribute.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners’ Hospitals for Children. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.