Raymond H. Benson, 75, of Tekamah, died Jan. 26, 2009, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

A memorial service was held Jan. 31 at First Presbyterian Church in Tekamah. Military honors were provided by FVW Bataan Post No. 3304 and the American Legion LaFrenz Post No. 15. A private family interment followed at Westlawn Hillcrest Cemetery in Omaha.

Raymond H. “Marmaduke” Benson was born March 19, 1933, in Omaha to Harold E. and Mildred (Mayberry) Benson. After his mother’s death, his father married Lillian Fisher.

He graduated from high school in Chula Vista, Calif., where he also attended college, earning a bachelor of arts degree. He later went on to take additional courses and specialty training.

He served in the United States Army, and spent two years mostly stationed in Colorado. He was honorably discharged in October 1954.

Eventually, through his many wanderings, he became employed at Vickers in Omaha as a tool-and-die man. He retired as a manufacturing engineer manager in December 1991 after 35 years of service. He was very proud of this accomplishment.

On Aug. 3, 1991, he married Joan Killion in Omaha. Upon his retirement, they purchased an acreage in Tekamah. They traveled and enjoyed the birds and other wildlife on their property.

Mr. Benson served as mayor of Tekamah for four years. He felt a sense of accomplishment from the experience, and made many newfound friends. He was also a member of the Tekamah Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters and sons-in-law, Theresa and Bob Rydalch of Gilbert, Ariz., Linda and David Harpin of Omaha; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Pam Benson of Omaha; Jay Gerken of Davenport, Iowa, Andy and Grace Gerken of Blair; 13 grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Harold “Benny” and Cheryl Benson of Omaha; brothers-in-law, Jim and Anna Killion, Ray and Bert Killion, all of Omaha; sisters-in –law, June and Jack Sexton of Visalia, Calif., and Susan Crosby of Schuyler; many cousins and loving relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a stepsister, Shirley Marie.

Memorials are suggested to the Tekamah Lions Club or the Tekamah Library Foundation.

Pelan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.