Joseph Silas Benson, 85
Benson
Joseph Silas Benson was born on July 15, 1935, in Minot, N.D. He was the sixth of eight children born to Lawrence and Milla Benson. He grew up with his seven siblings: Arnold, Ruby, Eleanor, John, Paul, Lillian and Sharon, in Minot, and then later in Auburn, Wash.
After he graduated from high school in 1953, he joined the Army. When he entered college, he met his first wife, Marlene. Born to this union were his daughter, Gloria Elizabeth, on May 24, 1958, and his son, Douglas Robert, on June 8, 1961. They divorced in 1967.
He met Alynda Tate Payne in March 1971 and they were married June 30, 1972. Alynda brought to their marriage, her daughter, Elisa Catherine Payne, born March 8, 1969. To their union was born one son, Joseph Douglas, on Feb. 8, 1974.
Joe was an elevator mechanic for 13 years. He and Alynda ran an elevator company in Seattle for 10 years. In 1999, he and Alynda moved from Lynnwood, Wash., to Pomeroy, Wash. There he was a dryland farmer for 25 years and ran his own museum, Lewis and Clark Pioneer Museum.
Joe was a collector of unusual items, a John Wayne fanatic and a lover of gospel music. He was skilled at the organ and a great singer. He loved all the cats he and Alynda had over the years. In his final years at Pacifica Assisted Living, he loved to share the gospel with anyone that would listen. Joe wasn’t afraid of death because he knew where he was going.
Joe entered into eternal rest on Nov. 17, 2020, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at 85 years of age.
A memorial service was held on Nov. 21, 2020, at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene, with Pastor Dave Roberts officiating.
He is survived by his wife, Alynda; his four children, Gloria, Doug, Elisa and Joey; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The family requests memorials to be sent to the Garfield County Food Bank, P.O. Box 15, Pomeroy, WA 99347.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Joe’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.