Ron K. Benson

Hudson, FL – Ronald “Ron” Kent Benson, 81, of Hudson, Florida and formerly of Traverse City passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, with his son and family by his side in Hudson. Ron was born on August 6, 1943, to the late Everett and Jean Benson. Ron graduated from Traverse City High School in 1961 after playing on the football, basketball, track, golf and baseball teams. He then went on to Kalamazoo Community College and CMU where he played on the golf team and later WMU where he graduated in 1971. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. Golf remained a big part of Ron’s life, and he was lucky enough to have 3 hole-in-ones and 2 double eagles on a par 5. Some would even say golf was his life. He was proud to win many club championships, but it was the friendships he made on the course that really brought him joy. Ron honorably served our country as a member of the United States Air Force 1964 to 1968 as a Surgical tech on Patrick Airforce Base in Cocoa Beach, FL during the Vietnam War. Ron lived life to the fullest every day, positively impacted so many people throughout his life and career and was loved by all those who knew him. Ron had a successful career with AAA for 30 years and won many awards. He will be remembered for his independent and gregarious spirit. Ron lived his life the way he wanted to live it and even died when he wanted to. He was a very loyal friend and remained close with many of his high school buddies thanks to their Tuesday breakfasts. One might picture him driving his corvette, playing golf and then pouring a good strong drink – he was a heck of a bartender and will be greatly missed. Ron shared before he passed that he would miss his beloved son Brian (Amy); grandson Blake; brother Chuck (Barbara) Benson; nephews Andrew, Griffin, Matthew (Amanda); great nephew Calvin and was excited for his first great niece to be born. He also noted that he will miss all of Brian’s and mom’s dogs as well as all dogs from Bob and Betty Adler, his good friends. He is also survived by his cousin Shelley Tomlinson who took great care of him in his later years. Ron was preceded in death by Brian’s mom Diana Blodgett. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the physicians both in Traverse City and in Hudson who took great care of him for the past decade. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10 am - 12 noon at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. He will then be laid to rest next to his parents at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens where he will receive full military honors. In lieu of flowers, people who wish to remember Ron are asked to consider contributions directed to – Traverse City Junior Golf Association, which encourages kids to learn, grow, and enjoy life on and off the golf course. Donations may be made to TCJGA, 5550 Bay Meadows Drive, Suite A, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Ron K. Benson

August 6, 1943 - January 31, 2025