Donald Dean Benson passed away peacefully on March 18, 2022 surrounded by family in Laramie, Wyoming.
Don was born June 16, 1930 in Potter, NE to Jesse and Mabel Benson. The family moved to Laramie during his childhood and Don called Laramie home for the remainder of his life.
Don married Joan Otterson on August 16, 1952 and the two later completed their family by welcoming Janet, Jay and Jane into the world. In 1986, Don and family lost their beloved wife and mother to an untimely passing.
Don found love again with Mary Sims (nee Irene), and they were married on November 6, 1987. Their marriage blended two adult families to which both Don and Mary became an integral part of each other’s family’s lives.
In the late 1970’s Don and Joan had begun the construction of their cabin, Aspen Gold, at Boulder Ridge. The whole family helped build the beginnings of the cabin by hand, though most of the effort was Don’s. Don and Mary continued to work on the cabin through the years and spent much of their time there enjoying the serenity. The cabin is a treasured creation of craftsmanship and beauty. Don’s legacy will always live on in the cabin as a true reflection of the skilled, dedicated and hardworking man that he was.
Don proudly served in the US Army National Guard and was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star during the Korean War. He went on to be a dedicated employee for 41 years as a Foreman for the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
Don was a family man, a true gentleman, a good friend, meticulous, wise and had a kind heart with kind eyes to match.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, brother Gene Benson, daughter Janet Benson, son Olin Sims, grandsons Kailan and Cody Drummond and Rusty Sims, and grandaughters Jennifer Jones and Brooke Sims.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary, son Jay (Pam) Benson, daughter Jane Drummond, son Scott (April) Sims, daughter Denise (Larry) Loose, daughter-in-law Tammy Sims, grandchildren Carrie (Brandon) Schimelpfenig, Joshua Benson, Spencer (Teal) Benson, Carrie Jones, Shanon (Melinda) Sims, Kendra Sims (Josh Keller), Tyler (Elise) Sims and several great grandchildren, nieces and extended family.
Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Military Honors by the Wyoming National Guard.
19 Comments To "Donald Dean Benson"
#1 Comment By Terri Hull Jones On March 22, 2022 @ 10:03 am
Mary and Families,
Don will be missed by all that had the great fortune to know him. We have lost a great man and heaven has gained one heck of a soul. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you.
#2 Comment By Diana Schneider Lace On March 23, 2022 @ 2:18 pm
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family. Diana Lace
#3 Comment By Allan & Sylvia Parvin On March 22, 2022 @ 5:26 pm
Condolences
#4 Comment By Jock & Betty Faris On March 23, 2022 @ 7:08 am
So sorry about Don’s passing.
#5 Comment By Anonymous On March 23, 2022 @ 7:09 am
So sorry about Don’s passing.
#6 Comment By Michael Comly Md On March 23, 2022 @ 8:09 am
Dear Mary and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Don was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed his visits to my office. He was always cheerful even when he felt poorly and always had nice things to say. He also told me some of the funniest jokes and made me smile even if I was not having such a good day. He made it better! I know that he surely did the same for all he came in contact with. May God Bless!!!!
#7 Comment By Clay, Glenda Vanlandingham On March 23, 2022 @ 9:26 am
So sorry to hear of Dons passing. He was a gentle giant. Our friend for many years thru basketball games, Moose Lodge meals and family gatherings. Our hearts and love go out to Mary and family.
Clayton and Glenda
#8 Comment By Anonymous On March 23, 2022 @ 12:02 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Don
My prayers and thoughts go out to all the families
He was so nice and friendly
I enjoyed seeing him at the moose and basketball games
#9 Comment By Anonymous On March 23, 2022 @ 12:33 pm
Roselin mogensen
I am so sorry for your loss
I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts
He was a really neat man
I enjoyed visiting at moose meals and basketball games
#10 Comment By Mike and Sherry Johnson On March 23, 2022 @ 12:37 pm
Sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I worked with Don at WYDOT and Don was always willing to help and simply enjoyable to be around. A true gentleman
#11 Comment By Kellie and Jim Southards On March 23, 2022 @ 12:40 pm
Mary – Jim and I were sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He loved you so much and will be missed. You are always in our prayers.
#12 Comment By Anonymous On March 23, 2022 @ 2:45 pm
Mary so sorry for your loss, will miss seeing you two out and about, Hugs, Phyllis Whitmire
#13 Comment By Mark and Phyllis “Emerson” Young On March 23, 2022 @ 5:23 pm
So sorry to read about Son’s.
#14 Comment By Vikki Brown On March 24, 2022 @ 7:52 am
I am so sorry to hear about Don. I have many fond memories of him. I met Don when I was in high school when I knew his daughter Janet. Again, when I first started working for the Highway Department. During a snowstorm, when I couldn’t get to work, he came and got me on a snow mobile. I will always remember that ride, and how darn cold it was. May he rest with the angels.
#15 Comment By Debby Matheson On March 24, 2022 @ 8:04 pm
There are no words. I am, so sorry for your loss. I pray that you are comforted for your heartache.
#16 Comment By Naomi Braden On March 26, 2022 @ 6:45 am
Mary and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Don was one of the good ones. We all loved him.
#17 Comment By Tammy (Payne) Au-France On March 26, 2022 @ 10:52 am
Mary and family, so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I will always remember how happy you and he seemed together. The trees that we transplanted from your place on Boulder Ridge have done well down here in the wind and I am grateful to you for allowing us to move them.
#18 Comment By Kimberly Boilsen On March 31, 2022 @ 5:56 am
Sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a good friend to my dad.
#19 Comment By Matt and Andrea Grosinger On May 11, 2022 @ 10:03 am
Dear Mary and family,
Matt and I would like to send our late condolences at the passing of Don.
We remember you both as the friendly couple across the street when we first moved in.
Hope you are doing well and close to family.
Peace,