Richard Eric Benson

Richard Eric Benson, age 63, recently of Clifton, TX, went to sleep in Jesus on February 11, 2025. Born in Ft. Smith, AR to Richard Clyde Benson and Therissa (Crabtree) Benson. Eric grew up in a Christian home and attended Christian schools, graduating from Campion Academy in Loveland, CO in 1980. Later, he joined the US Army, serving as a Radioman with Paratroop training and was stationed for 2 ½ years in Germany. After his service, he graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in Computer Programming. He spent many years helping businesses with their programming issues by using his technology to install and repair computer programs. He worked installing fiber optic lighting on Mardi Gras floats for their parades in New Orleans. Eric then was called to Las Vegas to install fiber optic lighting in the decorations of the Orleans casino.

Eric’s work with radios took him to Alaska working on ship to shore communications. When the BP Oil spill happened in the Gulf of Mexico, his help was called again to assist in ship to shore communications. In his “spare” time he delivered pizza for Papa John’s and became a member and teacher for the Crescent City Amateur Radio Group. He had his own “ham” radio setup in his home.

In May of 1998, Eric married Charlene Adele Menard and became a step father to her three children, Derrick, Ave’, and Amanda. Amanda loved her “daddy Eric” who taught her how to use her artistic abilities on the computer. She now lives with her father. After several TIA’s, Eric was unable to continue working. At that time he came to Clifton, staying with his mother until he moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home in September.

Eric is survived by his mother, Therissa Young; two aunts, Rose E Keeney, of AR; E Sue Davis of TX; step sibling Naomi (Leroy) Nabors; Tim (Kim) Young; and Steve Young; step-children, Derrick, Ave’, and Amanda; several cousins; special friend, Julie Landing-Larson and many of his high school friends.

Preceding him in death, father Richard Clyde Benson; wife Charlene A. Benson; sister Teri Elena Benson; step-sister Holly Yound; uncle Morris Davis and step father, John Young.