Robert Dale Benson

Born in Chicago, IL, on June 5, 1929, and passed away on December 11, 2019. Bob married his true love and partner in life, Patti, in March 1957 and they moved to Phoenix, AZ, in 1959. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patti; his two daughters, Jeannie and Nancy Rawlins (Ray); his two sons, Stacy (Liz) and Christopher; his two grandsons, Eric (Morgan) & Jeremy, three granddaughters, Mary, Madison and Savanna, and one great-granddaughter, Gwen. He is also loved by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and granddaughter, Emily. Bob served in the United States Air Force for four years and was in the 5th Air Force, 18th Fighter Group in the Korean Conflict from July 1950 to January 1952. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three battle participation credits, President Unit Citation (Korea) and Unit Bronze Service Star as well as the Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. Bob was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and loved them almost as much as his family. He was a photographer from his high school days until his retirement as the Senior Audio Visual Producer from AiResearch, now Honeywell, in May 1991. Bob was a 60 year member of the B.P.O. Elks and was a past president of Phoenix Elks Lodge No. 335. He was most proud of his participation in the Phoenix Elks and Arizona Elks Association programs, and he served on the Phoenix Elks Lodge Scholarship Committee for over 40 years. The Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at 11:30 am at the Phoenix Elks Lodge #335, 14424 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85032.