Serge Morgan Benson

Serge Morgan Benson, age 90, returned to his Heavenly Father on September 10, 2013 secondary to congestive heart failure. He passed away at home in Weston, Idaho, with family by his side.

Serge was born November 9, 1922 to Morgan Benson and Myrtle Lavernon Inglet in Fairview, Idaho. He spent his entire life living on the Benson Farm. He graduated from the Silver Star in Weston. He met and married his sweetheart from Preston, Bondean Aller, in the Logan Temple on November 26, 1943. They were parents of 10 children, all of whom were raised on hard work, good home-cooking, and lots of love.

Serge is survived by six children: DeAnn Redmond (Spencer), Diann (Duane) Hale, Shelia (Randy) Anderson, Larry (Jeannette) Benson, Rick (Caroline) Benson, Brad (Maureen) Benson, 26 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, as well as his sister, Zetta (Richard) Walker of Idaho Falls. Serge was preceded in death by daughter Jacklyn, infant children Debra, Christine and Shane, grandson Adam Benson, his parents, sister Donna, and brothers Lee and Seth Benson.

Serge's wife, Bondean, passed away 18 months ago. After 69 years of marriage being apart has been the most difficult part of enduring to the end for him. He is now reunited with the love of his life. Although he will be greatly missed for his kind, generous heart and deep, hearty laugh, his greatest desire was be reunited with his wife for eternity and we are happy for him.

Serge Benson's legacy is one of love, service, and hard work. He loved his family and taught them to love the Lord and keep His commandments. He found great joy in serving others, especially if that service was taking the neighbors for a ride on the horse and buggy! Grandpa included family in his plans. A favorite memory for many grandchildren was the year that Grandpa asked us to forego Christmas presents for cousins and instead provide Christmas for families in need when he was Bishop. We truly had the Savior with us that Christmas! We loved sleigh riding and caroling behind "Tom and Jerry," the matched Clydesdales Grandpa had for years. What an animal and horse-lover Grandpa was! Grandpa shared his testimony of the Savior, not just with words but with actions. Grandpa didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk.

Serge was a good neighbor and was blessed to have good neighbors. As family, we are so grateful to those who called, dropped in for a visit, invited Grandpa to dinner, took him for rides, and helped make it possible for him to stay home on the family farm until the very end. A special thanks to Vicki Hathcock, as well as Access Home Health Services (Thelma, Marie and Leslie), Serge expressed often his gratitude for the kindnesses shown him, and that is why Grandpa was such a joy to serve.

Serge's testimony never wavered. He always said, "The Church is true. It is our responsibility to share it with others and be a great example by doing good." He loved missionary service, public speaking at many funerals and conferences, and often shared his down-to-earth attitude in his testimony. He was a great friend, husband, father, bishop, stake missionary, and a spiritual giant in the community.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. in the Weston First Ward Chapel with Bishop Randy Austin conducting. Friends may call Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 8th East, Preston, Idaho and Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Weston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Weston 1st Ward Missionary Fund. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com