Jerome Dale Benson of Salina, Kansas passed away on March 5th 2024. Jerome or Jerry as he was called by those dearest to him, was born September 19th 1939 in Hadley, Minnesota, to Gladys and Oscar Benson.

Jerry was the 10th of 13 boys and was well loved for his wit, wisdom and deep devotion to those whom he loved. He committed his life to others by proudly serving as a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corp and eventually becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor after studying Psychology at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. Jerry worked in the field for over 20 years during which time he met the love of his life Cynthia Moore Benson, who he lived with in Virginia Beach, Virginia until the time of her death.

In his free time Jerry loved to be outside and with loved ones.  He spent time tending to his garden, going on cruises with his wife and taking fishing trips with family and friends. You could always catch him inside when his favorite football team, the Minnesota Vikings were on TV. Then he would cheer on the team with the same love and support he gave to his people each and everyday.

Jerome Dale Benson is preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Oscar Benson, his brothers Oscar Jr, Wally, Gordon, Moe, Bud, Jimmy, Ronnie, David, Roger, Bruce, Milo and Mike Benson. His first wife Sharon Ewen Benson, his son Mark Jerome Benson and second wife Cynthia Moore Benson. He is survived by his children Linda (Jay) Woodfield of Salina, KS, Allan Benson of Wichita, KS, Christina (Dan) Starcher of Salina, KS and his step daughter Shannon Collins of Virginia; his Grandchildren Kylie, Nick, and Megan Woodfield, James Benson, and Ryan Starcher; his great grand dogs Charlie, Holtby, Nugget, Tucker and Tukka.

Jerome will be honored with a visitation Tuesday March 12th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Rosewood–Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA.

The family will also host a graveside service on Wednesday March 13th at 2:00 in the afternoon at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502.

A Celebration of Life is being planned in Salina, Kansas, at a later date for those unable to attend services.