Thomas William Benson

Thomas William Benson, son of the late Harry Irwin and Ethel Ellen (Casey) Harman, was born June 10, 1953 in Nampa, Idaho. He passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in his home having attained the age of 66 years. As a young boy, Tom grew up in the Waynesville, Missouri area and graduated from Waynesville High School. Shortly after graduating from high school, Tom entered the United States Navy and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge after 8 years of service. Tom was very talented when it came to being an auto mechanic. He was a licensed Certified Automotive Technician. He served the community at different places, but everywhere he worked, people knew that they were getting a qualified person to work on their vehicle. On September 15, 1995, Thomas was united in marriage to Cynthia Lynn Wrightson in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared over 24 years of marriage together and two children: Mandy and Samantha. In his spare time, Tom loved to be outdoors while fishing and hunting, especially bass fishing and deer hunting. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan and also enjoyed working on steel model kits and various other hobbies. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. Tom will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Cindy Benson of the home; two children: Mandy Conley (Charles) of Waynesville, MO and Samantha Ferraro (James) of Waynesville, MO; five grandchildren: Seth Bott (Jennifer), Jacob Bott, Emily Conley, Mariah Ferraro and Tristen Ferraro, all of Waynesville, MO; one great grandchild: Lily Bott; two sisters: Penny Hypes (Bill) of Canton, OH and Ellen Bates (Larry) of the state of Idaho; sister-in-law: Punky Davidson (Steve) of Waynesville, MO; special friend: Billy Wood (Brenda) of Waynesville, MO; special niece: Janet Long of Canton, OH; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by three brothers: Frank Willoughby, Kevin Benson and Stoney Benson; one sister: Terry Willoughby; and in-laws: Roy and Jean Wrightson. Even though he is gone from our sight, Tom will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Tom’s son-in-law, Charles Conley officiating. Also speaking and recalling their wonderful memories of Tom were Tom’s daughters, Mandy and Samantha and friends Andy and Lindell Mostajo. The songs “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias and “Dancing with the Angels” by Monk and Neagle were played. Serving as honorary escorts were Charles Conley, Seth Bott, Jacob Bott, James Ferraro, Billy Wood and Rick Graham. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Thomas Benson to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Thomas William Benson

June 10, 1953 - November 20, 2019