Raymond L. Benson, Sr.

Raymond LeRoy Benson, Sr., 78, of Yates City, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2020. LeRoy was being visited and comforted by his loved ones at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born February 6, 1942, in Canton, IL, to Raymond and Marjorie (Gunther) Benson. LeRoy grew up on the family farm raising Chester White Duroc cross breed hogs and participating in 4-H and FFA. He graduated from Yates City High School in 1960. A year later he joined the US Air Force, where he honorably served for 20 years. LeRoy married Charlotte Conley on January 11, 1969, in New York. After his retirement from the Air Force, they moved to Yates City where LeRoy worked for the US Postal Service. They worshipped and served as members of Faith United Presbyterian Church and were active in several Masonic organizations. LeRoy was Past Master of Yates City Lodge #338 and a member of Royal Arch Masons. He and Charlotte enjoyed serving as members of the Yates City Order of the Eastern Star and were current members of the Galesburg Chapter. He was a Past Patron of the Yates City OES, and it was his great honor to serve as Worthy Grand Patron of the Order of Eastern Star of Illinois in 2011-2012. He ...[more]

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also a member of the Farmington American Legion. As a husband and father, LeRoy was beloved by his wife and three children. He was a kind and loving man who gave his life in service to others. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte and three children: Tammy (Terry) Bjerke of Manvel, ND; Raymond (Michelle) Benson, Jr. of Galesburg, and Margie (Derek) Hagerdorn of Yates City; one sister, Louise (Larry) Boyer; ten grandchildren: Ian (Kathryn), Tanner (Carly), Dakota, Mercedys, Trevor, Connor, Braden, and Jacob; and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, George "Bill" (Carol) Benson. A private funeral service will be held with immediate family only at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Faith United Presbyterian Church in Yates City or the Eastern Star Home in Macon, IL. To leave online condolences or watch the service, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.