NORWICH – The Rev. Carl R. Benson, 97, of Norwich, well-known clergy and area farmer, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at the Valley View Manor Nursing Home.
Carl was born in Beaver Meadow on Sept. 11, 1915, the son of Herbert H. and Ella Negas Benson. Following his graduation from the South Otselic High School, he continued his education by attending Binghamton Bible College. Over the years, Carl would see a need at a particular church which had no pastor and fill the void. He had pastored many area churches, beginning with the DeRuyter Baptist Church, then the Lincklaen Congregational Church, the Beaver Meadow Christian Church, and the Lapeer Christian Church. In addition, Carl was also a well-know area farmer. In the “olden days” when ministering at country churches would not support a family, he had owned and operated farms in Beaver Meadow and Kirk. He had also worked for Crane Silo, the Preston Gas Service of Oxford, had headed up the postal dept. at NBT, and worked as a bookkeeper for Webb & Sons and the Norwich Evening Sun.
For a time, having relocated to Arizona, Carl was pastor at the Goodyear Baptist Church in Goodyear, AZ, and was also dean of the night school at the Arizona Bible School. During his stay in Goodyear, he operated his own radio program. In 1951, Carl and his family returned to the Norwich area, making their home on Plymouth Street for the remainder of his life.
It goes without saying that Carl was a man of deep faith, having a strong conviction to his family and a true sense of caring for those he ministered to.
On Sept. 16, 1936, Carl married Harriet Bassett, who passed away in June of 1998.
Carl is survived by his son, Louis Benson and wife Beverly of South Plymouth; his grandson, Jeffrey Benson, also of South Plymouth; and his sister-in-law, Betty Benson of Beaver Meadow. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his wife, Carl was predeceased by his granddaughter, Charlena Noel Benson; his sister, Luella Berkholder; and his brother, Herbert Coolidge Benson.
A funeral service for Carl will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph Hinman, Baptist Clergy, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the South Plymouth Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Thursday from noon until the time of the service at 1 p.m.