Teddy "Ted" Benson

Teddy "Ted" Benson, 82, longtime Warden resident passed away Thursday, May 31, 2012, at home surrounded by loving family. Ted was born in Santa Fe, Oklahoma on February 19, 1930, to Cloyd and Lucille Benson.

As a young man, he joined the Marines and served for 1 ? years. He later re-enlisted in the Air Force on July 21, 1948, and served his country for another 20 years, retiring on September 1, 1968, at the rank of Master Sergeant. He was stationed in China and England during his early years of service. Ted shared with us his many interesting, funny, and sometimes heart stopping stories about his adventures and dangers he faced while flying his many military missions around the world. In January 1969, he went to work for the East Columbia Irrigation District and worked 21 years for the company, retiring for good on March 3, 1990. Through the job, he became friends with many farmers in the Warden area. They allowed Ted and whoever he brought with him to hunt pheasants on their land, something he loved to do and share with others.

He spent his retirement years fishing, hunting, and camping when he wasn't enjoying time with family and friends. He loved the family celebrations, gatherings and events like our family reunion on Flathead Lake in Montana that brought together family members that hadn't seen each other in many years while others met for the first time. He also enjoyed his daily walks with his devoted companion, Candy.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Phyllis; son, Steve (wife Kim); daughter, Pamela (husband David) Shipley; daughter, Cindy Alvarez; and son, Terry (wife Barbara). He is also survived by two sisters, Francis Covington and Pasty Roberts; eleven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter; Peggy Lynn, three brothers; Jackie and Darrell Benson and James Gibson, and a son-in-law; Frank Alvarez. He now reunites with them and his two Air Force buddies (Dave and Hawk) who left us all too soon and whose company he missed dearly.

Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know. Special thanks go out to Assured Hospice and their staff for their caring work; to doctor Scott Mounts and his staff, and Annie Anderson. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Assured Hospice, 1417 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837

The memorial service and gathering will be held at the Warden Community Church, 201 W 3rd Street, on Saturday, June 16 starting at 2:00 PM. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.