John Mark Benson, 76, a native and resident of Summerdale, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009
He began his military career by missing half of his high school senior year to participate in the Korean Conflict. He retired after 42 years with the U.S. Army National Guard.
He was a technician for 26 years with the National Guard, a member of the Alabama State Markmenship Program for over 20 years and competed at the national level.
He was also a member of the Berean Baptist Church in Elberta, for over 40 years, serving as a deacon and trustee.
Survivors include his wife, Adele D. Benson of Summerdale; daughter, Octavia Bruhn of Elberta; two sons, LeRoy Benson of Pensacola, Fla., and Mark Benson of Summerdale; sister, Mary Smith of Copperas Cove, Texas; two brothers, Samuel Benson and Frank Benson of Summerdale; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 7 at Berean Baptist Church in Elberta with the Rev. Robert Evans officiating. Burial followed at Wynn Cemetery in Summerdale.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Benson, Johnny Benson, Dewayne Benson, Timothy Benson, Roger Benson, Benjamin Bruhn, Randall Borders and Ken Davis.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Berean Baptist Church Mission Fund, P.O. Box 237, Elberta, AL 36530.
Arrangements were made by Mack Funeral Home and Crematory, Robertsdale.
