Harry James Benson

Harry James Benson was born on March 28, 1941 in Durant, OK and passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 6:50a.m. He graduated in 1959 from Okmulgee High School where he was active in athletics and band. Harry continued his education at Oklahoma University on a ROTC Naval Scholarship where he was a member of the Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism in 1964. Harry reported to basic training at the San Diego Naval Base in California then deployed to Vietnam in 1964. He served as a Communications Officer, Staff Commander Destroyer, and Squadron One aboard a Naval warship. Harry was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his service, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant JG in 1967. Harry attended Kent State College in Chicago, Illinois and graduated with a JD in Law in 1971. He practiced law in McAlester, Oklahoma before being hired by Halliburton Oil Company in Duncan, Oklahoma as a General Counsel Attorney for over 23 years, where he and ex-wife Vicky raised three sons. Harry then moved to Oklahoma City in January of 1995 and worked for OKDHS – Child Support Division until his retirement in 2010. He married Katy Stephens on August 21, 1998. Harry loved reading, music and was a fanatical OU and Thunder fan. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughter of the home and his sons and grandchildren. Harry learned to ride a motorcycle at the age of 66 and was forever passionate about riding his trike and motorcycle. He was a "Friend of Bill W." for over 18 years and enjoyed the fellowship and love he found with other friends of Bill W. Harry is preceded in death by his parents Keith and Essie Mae Benson, brother Dr. Jerry Keith Benson DDS and his son Jim Collis Benson. He is survived by his wife, Katy; daughter Merica Hudson-Benson; son Andy Benson and wife Katie and granddaughters Madeline and Ella James; son John Benson and wife Lexie and granddaughter Laney; daughter-in-law Tricia Bunce and granddaughters Gabe and Riley; stepson Casey Stephens, daughter-in-law Carol Stephens and granddaughters Brooke, Breanna and grandson Ashton; sister-in-law Jonnina Benson; ex-wife Victoria Benson; brother-in-law Russell Stephens; brother and sister-in-law Rodney and Amy Martin; along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.