Alfred Benson

Alfred Eugene “Gene” Benson passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the age of 78.  Gene was born on May 20, 1944, to Ira “Slim” and Ruth Benson of Abernathy. He attended Abernathy Schools until he heard the calling of the United States Marines at which time he joined in October 1962. Gene married Wanda “Sue” Wilson of Abernathy in 1966 and they had one daughter, Shelley. His military career took him to many places overseas including the far east like Okinawa, Japan and Philippines. In 1963 and 1967 Gene served two tours of combat duty in Vietnam during the conflict where he was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf. Then in 1968 he and his family were sent to Germany to work for the Defense Communications Agency of Europe where he helped install the first European wide Autovon Voice Network System. While in Europe he was in support as back-up for the first Apollo moon landing. After Europe he was assigned to the White House Communications Agency where he traveled with them and the presidential party setting up top secret communications. Gene also had the privilege of traveling substantially with the Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger to the Middle East during the ongoing peace talks. After his military career had ended, he and his family returned to Lubbock to begin a new chapter in their lives. Gene was a member and Deacon for over 30 years at South Park Baptist Church.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sue in March of 2023; and siblings, Bobby Benson, Walter Benson, Wilma Berryman, Laverne Boswell and Sandra Hutcheson.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelley Larkins and granddaughter, Shelby Larkins; as well as one brother, Glenn Benson.

Private services were held.