Claude Samuel Benson, age 85, went home to his Savior on October 25, 2021. He was born October 17, 1936, in Poughkeepsie, New York. He was the second child born to Darius and Martha Benson.

He started his military career with the US Army August 19, 1954, and was honorably discharged
July 26, 1957, which included a tour of duty in Germany. He enlisted in the US Navy March 10, 1959. It was during this time that he met his future bride, Helen Louise Lamb. They were married in a military service on July 11, 1959, at Great Lakes, Illinois.

After 22 years of service, he retired from the US Navy November 13, 1976. He then went on to work at Rocky Butte Jail as a Medical Attendant. He also obtained an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Clackamas Community College. He retired from the work force in 1998 due to his declining vision as a Medical Transportation provider.

Claude is survived by his wife, Helen; his sons J Michael (Barbara) Benson, Scott (Kristi) Benson, Art (Jane) Benson, Tim (Lisa) Benson; his daughter Diana Cummins; and sister Anna May Hess. He has seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He is predeceased by his sister, Virginia Howard.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 1pm at New Life Church, 6125 Caldwell Rd., Gladstone, OR 97027. A private internment will be held in the future.

In remembrance of Claude's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the
State Library of Oregon – Talking Books, 250 Winter St NE, Salem, OR 97301,
https://www.oregon.gov/library/Pages/default.aspx or a charity of your choice.

Grandpa was a family man. One of his favorite things to do was to joke with his children and grandchildren over their life details, such as their dating lives. He loved people and being in the midst of all the happenings. After going blind years ago his demeanor did not change, as he enjoyed sitting among the people he loved. Anyone who met Grandpa was automatically adopted by him. You either called him Dad or Grandpa, even if you were not related to him.

He was known for being an avid Brooklyn/LA Dodgers fan since Jackie Robinson broke into the major leagues in 1947. Our family would enjoy observing him listening to Vin Scully announce the Dodgers games. He would recite Vin Scully's catchphrases as if he was narrating the game.

Grandpa did not believe in naps. If you caught him with his eyes closed in silence, he would respond, "I'm only resting my eyes. I was listening." We all knew that it was a lie.

In his travels, he enjoyed going to museums and cruises with his wife and family. Outside of traveling, he enjoyed being artistic through his many art projects, from framing comic strips to drawing designs for his homemade wooden signs. His art influence did not go unnoticed in the family. Winding down in the evenings, he would stay up late and be entertained by "the Tonight Show With Jay Leno." One of his favorite pastimes was to collect historical stamps, pins, and sports memorabilia. His prized possession was the Rickey Henderson rookie card that was held hostage from the family for years. Finally, he caved and donated it to one of the family members.

When it came to food, you would never find him eating breakfast for dinner or fish tacos. However, he loved to indulge in black licorice, crunchy tacos, Root Beer floats, lemon meringue pie, and Grandma's chili rellenos. The Grandkids visiting were his excuse to get extra snacks… and it worked. Grandma would over stuff the pantry and freezer with treats for the grandkids… and Grandpa.

This is only a preview into the experiences and memories of Grandpa's life. There are many other personal interactions and memories we all have that will be held dear to our hearts.

This is not a goodbye; it's a see you later.

Jenny Benson (granddaughter)
Phillip Benson (grandson)