Thomas Benson

Thomas E. Benson, 77, of Waco, passed away Friday, December 17, 2010.

Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 21, at OakCrest Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Adams officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Rosemound Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 pm - 8 pm Monday, December 20, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard.

Thomas was born March 9, 1933 in Scyrene, Ala., to Columbus E. and Eula (Bradford) Benson. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 until 1956. He was retired from civil service as an aircraft mechanic. He was a member of Parkview Baptist Church.

Thomas was married to Edna LaVerne Dugger on September 17, 1954 in Waco. He was a loving father and grandfather, and his family was the center of his life especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Columbus B. Benson.

He is survived by his wife, Edna LaVerne Benson of Waco; sons, Thomas L. (Tommy) Benson and wife Brenda and David W. Benson and wife, Sharon, all of China Spring; grandsons, Brandon K. Benson of China Spring, Brian H. Benson and wife Jenny of China Spring, Eric D. Benson and wife, Jordan of Hewitt, and Chad E. Benson of China Spring; granddaughter, Kayla L. Perry and husband, Marshal of Laguna Park; great-grandchildren, Blake Perry of Laguna Park, Kyle Benson of China Spring, and Katelynn Benson of China Spring; a sister, Pauline Lancaster of Birmingham, Ala., and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Brian Benson, Eric Benson, Chad Benson, Paul Christian, Calvin (Doug) Dugger, and James Christian.

Honorary pallbearers will be Audaine Robinett, Phil Barnhill, Fred Blanchard, Marshal Perry, David Christian, and Jesse Dugger.