William “Bob” Wallace Benson, age 83, passed away on Monday, May 20th, 2024, in Bakersfield, CA. He was born to parents Ruby and Clifford Benson in Eminence, MO on June 4,1940. He was raised in Fremont, MO by his foster parents, Hattie and Charlie Randolf.
After graduating from high school, he attended Nashville Auto-Diesel College becoming a mechanic. He met his first wife of 50 years, Nita, while working in Willow Springs. In December of 1959, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a jet engine mechanic, and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. After being honorably discharged, he then went to work for GMC as a service manager for 40 years. After retirement, he then became a security officer at Nature’s Own in Texas. He married his second wife, Nancy, January 2013 and moved to Bakersfield where they lived together for the remainder of his time.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nita; and his two brothers, Clifford Lawrence and Peter Benson.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; three children, one stepdaughter, twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Rosemary.
A graveside service for Bob will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM with full military honors at Nease Cemetery in Willow Springs, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com.
