Keith L. Benson

Keith Benson was born on April 17, 1938, to Alden and Stella Marie (Schimmel) Benson in the small town of Steelville, Illinois. As the eldest of 7 children, at a young age, Keith began to take on more responsibility at home due to the death of his father. Keith was an amazing storyteller, and those who knew him well would find themselves enthralled with the many stories of his growing up. He would tell a range of stories, from movie theatre shenanigans to mohawk haircuts, to military training sessions gone hilariously wrong.

Continuing on a path of service to others, Keith joined the army in 1960 where he became a cook in order to care for many within the armed forces. This time of Keith’s life not only taught him many life skills that he continued to pass on to youth for decades to follow but allowed him to boast at home while cooking in the kitchen.

Keith’s life truly took shape after meeting Marguerite Ruth Benson. After praying for years for his “one,” Keith finally met her in church. Keith saw Ruth first; however, he held back believing that he wasn’t good enough for the daughter of a pastor. After the prodding of lifelong friends, Keith took a chance, and they were married on January 31, 1969.

From that moment on, Keith’s life was focused on his wife, Ruth, and his two children – Ruth Elaine and Brian. Keith was always dedicated to working hard so he could provide for his family. He would say that his career was being an auto and diesel mechanic, but those who knew him well knew that was just where he made his money. His commitment and main goal in his life was in serving others. He could be found leading youth ministry in his church, driving buses for little old ladies to church, countless youth activities, giving free auto repairs for widows and single mothers, coaching AYSO and, most notably, serving in the Boy Scouts of America for over 21 years. He would serve as Scout Master for Troop 21 and would be instrumental in the development of young men for decades, culminating in helping 33 young men attain the remarkable rank of Eagle Scout. He always enjoyed his trips to Philmont!!

Keith’s lifelong commitment to serving others only continued into retirement. He would faithfully drive to different businesses to pick up their cardboard to recycle, so he could give the proceeds to the Boy Scout troop he served for so many years. He also dedicated much of his later years into his 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. For Keith, there was no greater joy than serving and caring for the youngest members of his family.

Keith would boldly tell you that he served others because of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ first made for him. Keith founded his life on the truth of Jesus Christ and the power of His word, and he trusted Jesus with every day of his life. In fact, Keith was convinced that he would never die, and that Jesus would return to rapture all of the church before that day. Unfortunately, Keith never experienced the rapture of the church. Instead, God chose to bring him to heaven on his own on September 5th, 2025.

Keith Benson was a man who left an indelible mark on all who met him. He was a man who was focused on being faithful to his wife. He was a man dedicated to caring for His family and serving as many people as he could. Above all, Keith was a man who was committed to His loving-Savior, Jesus Christ. Keith would often encourage others to live by this on Bibical truth, “whatever you do, do all of it to the glory of God.” That truth was at the root of how Keith lived his life and would be the one encouragement he would give anyone asking him for stories, advice, or wisdom.