On November 25, 2013, Paul David Benson went to be with his Lord and Savior and was reunited with the love of his love, Joleta Benson. Paul was born in Oklahoma City on June 23, 1934 to Bill R. and Rosie Lee (Hardin) Benson. Paul was the sixth of seven children. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1952. He played in the band from 7th grade until graduation. Paul spent 4 years as an apprentice jet engine mechanic and graduated a journeyman. Paul served on active duty in the US Navy and US Army and attained the rank of Master Sergeant in the Army Reserves. He served as a police officer for the Albuquerque, New Mexico Police Department. Paul retired as Assistant Fire Chief 28 years of service with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Paul married Joleta Oliver on March 7, 1952. They were married for 56 years until her death on December 28, 2008. They built homes in the Oklahoma City area from 1962 until 2007. They were longtime attendees of Harvest Assembly of God Church and Crossroads Cathedral. Paul was a member of the India Temple and Myrtle Lodge Masons for 50 years. As impressive as all of his professional accomplishments were, it was his family that he was most proud of. Paul leaves behind his four daughters and sons-in-law: Sheryl and Russ Adamson, Cristy and Steve Trimble, Randie and Kenny Rolke and Brenda and Marc Woodard. He loved being the "Grandpa/Papa" to nine grandchildren and "Papa Great" to eight great-grandchildren with one on the way. He was deeply devoted to their family and always enjoyed all their activities and ball games. Paul was a man of many talents and was the snazziest dresser in town! He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, honesty and devotion. Preceded in death by wife, Joleta; parents, Bill and Rosie Lee Benson; brother, Bill Benson; sisters, Nadina Wilkerson, Bonnie Sheaffer and Mary Ellen Benson. Also survived by brothers Bob Benson and Larry Benson. Viewing will be 4-8 PM Thursday at Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes. Services to celebrate his life will be 10:00 AM Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at Harvest Assembly of God, 4019 S. Penn. with burial to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Please visit vondelsmithmortuary.com to leave a message for the family. vondelsmithmortuary.com
.Published in The Oklahoman on Nov. 27, 2013