Charles Grant Benson of York, also known to others as “Red”, passed into eternity at the age of 71 after a 42-year-long battle with cancer. He finally lost the fight on March 25, 2019, in Tucson, with his wife and daughters at his side. He was born Oct. 14, 1947, in Snowflake, to John Scott Benson and Kathleen “Kitty” Ballard Benson. Charlie was the only son growing up with his four sisters;
Red graduated from Holbrook High School in 1965 and went on to work in the mines as a driller and blaster, eventually becoming a supervisor at Phelps Dodge. On Feb. 9, 1978, he married Sharon Jackson in Morenci and the family was blessed with two daughters; Kylie and Barbara. Over the years, the family would accumulate several pet cats and dogs that became beloved family members.
Red enjoyed the great outdoors by spending his free time fishing, bird hunting with friends and family, golfing, and working in his yard. He was also a member of the Morenci Fire Department, Elks Lodge, and the Greenlee County Country Club. He was a jokester who loved to kid around with everyone. You never knew if he was serious or not. Red was a hard-working, good man who always put others ahead of himself.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sharon Benson; his daughters, Kylie (Carlos) Lorenzo, and Barbara Benson; his sisters,
Red was preceded in death by his parents, John and Kathleen Benson; and his brother-in-law, Bob
A visitation will be held
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
