Douglas Benson

Col. (ret) Douglas Wayne Benson, age 81, resident of Coweta, OK flew into the arms of his Heavenly Father Friday, January 25, 2013 in Marshall, TX. Doug was born on August 18, 1931 in Humboldt, KS and was the son of Charles G. Benson and Jeanette (Kaufman) Benson. Doug married the former Mrs. Sue Johnson on August 21, 2004 in Coweta, OK. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 3, 1955 and served 25 years until his retirement in 1980 as a Colonel. Doug was a proud military veteran, serving as a pilot in two tours of the Vietnam War, flying 183 combat missions. He was a member of Clearview Baptist Church in Broken Arrow. Doug's passions were woodworking, fishing, hunting, archery, and being outdoors enjoying God's creation. Above all, he loved God. Living out his faith, he served family and friends in many capacities, ranging from home remodeling projects for the physically disabled, serving as volunteer and Trustee for the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, and participating on mission trips with inner city ministries. Doug will be missed as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. Doug is lovingly survived by his wife, Sue Benson of the home; his 3 daughters, Karen Pourciau and husband, Dale, of Walker, LA, Linda Baldock and husband, Dennis, of Altus, OK and Merri Bush and husband, Nigel, of The Colony, TX; step-sons Scott Ludrick and wife, Maureen, of Dallas, TX; Burt Ludrick and wife, Harriet, of Kingston, TX; step-daughter Linnie Beu and husband, Danny, of Nowata, OK; step-son, Mike Johnson of Checotah, OK; sister, Connie Krutilek of Wharton, TX; brother, Charles A. Benson and wife, Patty, of Spokane, WA; 22 grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Doug was preceded in death by his parents and his first 2 wives Mary Monette (Hodges) Benson and Mildred (Ludrick) Benson. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, January 30, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Clearview Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, OK with Pastor Larry McDonald and Pastor Sam Burnett officiating. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, February 1, 2013 at Cedarlawn Memorial Park in Denison, TX. The family of Douglas Wayne Benson entrusted his care & services to Wright-Brown Family Funeral Home, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515. Family and friends may share memories on-line @ www.wrightbrownfunerals.com.