Darel H Benson

Darel H Benson

Darel H Benson, 83, died Thursday, November 3, 2011 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Honeyville, UT on September 9, 1928 to Ezra P. and Varenna Hunsaker Benson.

He graduated from Box Elder High School then joined the army to serve in WWII and the Marines in the Korean War as a proud member of the "Chosin Few, at Chosin Reservoir". He married the love of his life, Myrna Nelson and soon moved to Ogden where they raised their family. After the service, he worked for D.D.O. for 38 years until he retired.

Darel loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, bowl and sit around campfires telling stories to family and friends. He spent many years camping at the Eagles Campground in Huntsville. Darel was involved in many organizations. He was a long time Eagles member, worked with the scouts and taught kids about NRA. Later in life, he became a model "Snow Bird". He fled Ogden to Yuma long before the snow flew and then would return in the Spring in time to plant his garden. Darel had a remarkable way of making an impression with everyone he met. Dad made friends with everyone we brought home. If they were our friends, they were his friends.

He was very talented. He carved many walking sticks, created plastic bottles into hanging fish decorations and turned empty cans into assorted yard decorations. Yuma neighborhoods will attest to his creations.

Darel is survived by wife Myrna, daughter Terry (Jerry) Hadley, sons Doug (Kim) Benson, Alan (Gayle) Benson, Rodney Hunter and sister Charlene (J Del) Petersen, 8 grandkids and 17 great grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Maida Christensen, brothers Nolan and LaMar Benson.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

A special thanks to Good Shepherd Hospice, Maddie, Juliette and David.