Delbert "Benny" Benson was born on April 26, 1935, in Whitehorse, Oklahoma, to parents Vernon and Myrtle Benson. One of eleven children, he grew up working on the family farm-an upbringing that shaped his strong work ethic, lifelong humility, and ability to be someone you could always count on.

Benny attended Oklahoma City University, where he met the love of his life, Loretta. The two were married on February 15, 1957, and were inseparable until her passing in late 2013.

Though he attended OCU, Benny was a fiercely loyal fan of the University of Oklahoma football team and never missed a game, whether cheering from Norman or watching faithfully from home.

After college, Benny proudly served in the Marine Corps reserve for 6 years.

In the 1960s, Benny and Loretta adopted their two beloved children, Missie and Scott. Benny was an exceptionally involved father-coaching baseball and football teams, attending school events, and being ever-present in both of his children's lives.

Benny worked for John Crane as a salesman until his retirement. The retirement didn't last long as Benny enjoyed being on the move; he worked for Green Valley Estates for many years on maintenance and groundskeeping. There was nothing he couldn't fix and always jumped at the opportunity to help others.


When his grandchildren arrived, Benny devoted himself to them just as fully as he had his own children. He attended countless gymnastics meets, soccer games, recitals, and school events. His family was his greatest joy, and nothing made him happier than simply being present for them.



Later in life, Benny joined the Tulsa Model A Car Club, where his love for classic cars and camaraderie found a perfect home. He got much joy out of traveling to different places in his Model A with his wife by his side.

Known as one of the kindest, gentlest, and most patient men-especially with children-Benny had a rare ability to draw every child to him. He lit up whenever a child entered the room. In his final years, visits from his great-grandchildren became the highlight of his days.

Though Parkinson's disease marked his later years, Benny never lost his great attitude, selflessness, or his playful nature and smile. He passed peacefully on the evening of January 4, 2026.

Benny was preceded in death by his wife Loretta; his parents; and seven of his brothers: Bobby Benson, Roger Benson, Donald Benson, Dean Benson, James Benson, Derrell Benson, and Charles Benson; granddaughter Crystal Chapman.

He is survived by his brother Bill Benson ( Arleen) of Fairview, Oklahoma; sisters Mary Lou Glasco ( Duane) of Amarillo, Texas, and Gayle Farnsworth( Geoff) of West Grove, PA; his daughter Melissa Chapman (David) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his son Scott Benson ( Marcy) of McKinney, TX; grandchildren Bronwyn Spain ( John) of Jenks, Oklahoma, Macie Moss ( Tyler) of Larkspur, Colorado, Cecily Hunter ( Ruben) of Bixby, Oklahoma, Bethany Locke( Jhonas) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Megan Misuraca ( Sam) of Sherman, Texas, and Joshua Benson ( Macey) of Denison, Texas, Timothy Chapman of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Daxon Chapman (Veronica) of Bixby; and great-grandchildren Tiffany, Danica, Sabrina, Reece, Jess, Kenna, Tucker, Sage, Scotland, Tatum, Teddy and Shiloh.

A short graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 15, 2025, at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Black Barn at Spain Ranch, with a reception afterward.

In Benny's honor, attendees with classic cars are invited to drive a Benny-approved vehicle to the memorial service.