Mack Franklin Benson, 82, son of Clarence and Mae Kimrey Benson, was born March 21, 1925, at Success. He died Nov. 29, 2007, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
He grew up around Success and married Dorothy Vaughn in 1945. They had two children.
He later married Carol Shaw. They had eight children.
Mr. Benson began preaching in 1946 and was ordained in January 1957. He pastored several churches in the area.
Mr. Benson owned a lumber company and farmed most of his life. He was lovingly called the mayor of Boiling Springs.
He loved animals, especially cats, dogs and horses, owning several in his lifetime. He loved to garden and raise enough for his friends. He also loved flowers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife; one brother, W.C. “Bud” Benson; two infant sisters, Ruby and Thelma; one son, Tim Lewis; and two grandchildren.
Surviving are his wife, Carol, of Houston; three sons, Bill Hale of Springfield, Dustin Benson of Licking and David Lewis of Louisville, Ky.; five daughters, Beverly McKinnon of Fenton, Spring Sutton of Springfield, Penny Cavanes of Success, Cathy Delp of Cabool, Cindy Ameline of Hannibal and Pat Qualls of Florida; two sisters, Gladys Ward Sells of Licking and Ruth Benson Corder of Salem; many grand- and great-grandchildren.
Services were Dec. 4 at the Northside Baptist Church with the Rev. Wesley Wallace, Gary Plank and the Rev. Ted Moore officiating. Burial was in the Cavaness Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Faith and Hope Church building fund at the Cavaness Cemetery.
