Frederick W. Benson's Obituary
Col. Frederick W. Benson died peacefully at St. JosephÂ's Hospital on early Monday morning, November 15, 2004. Fred was born February 7, 1939 in Baltimore, MD. He attended St. JosephÂ's grade school and continued on to Loyola High School (Blakefield), and Loyola College, graduating in 1961, a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, a Jesuit Honorary Society and Â"WhoÂ's Who in American Colleges and Universities 1961.Â"He married Bernadette Johnston Benson June 9, 1961, and they had two children, Frederick Michael and Colleen Ann Benson in Washington State.As an Armor officer he attended the basic course and advance course at Fort Knox, KY. He went on to train in Panama and prepare for the Cuban Crisis. Later, he was a student at the Command and General Staff College, then went to Kansas State University for a year to complete his MasterÂ's Degree in 20th Century American History. He returned to C.G.S.C. to teach for 3 years in Strategic Studies.He was assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment for 3 years in various positions, the last as X.O. of the Regiment until 1979. In 1979, he was reassigned to command the 2/77th Armored Battalion at Fort Lewis, WA for almost 3 years. Following his command, he went to HTTB developing new technologies for the modern Army. He received his promotion to Colonel (06) while there and later decided to retire. He went on to work for Research and Development Association and Logicon, becoming vice president of War Games and Simulation. He retired August 1, 1997 due to a stroke.He is survived by his wife and children, mother Mrs. Helen Benson; brothers Bob (Robert E.) Benson, and John and Virginia Morgan; and numerous sisters-in-laws and husbands, brother-in-laws and wives, and numerous nieces and nephews.Catholic services will be at the Mountain View Garden Chapel, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Tacoma, WA at 9:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 18th with full Army Honors at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042. 1-425-413-9614.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to: St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004, in memory of Colonel Frederick W. Benson (USA Retired).
What’s your fondest memory of Frederick?
What’s a lesson you learned from Frederick?
Share a story where Frederick's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Frederick you’ll never forget.
How did Frederick make you smile?