Keith Decker Benson, age 86, of Cottonwood Heights, Utah left this world on July 28, 2018.
Keith was the oldest of four sons born to Richard Marsden Benson and Pearl Decker Benson in Parowan, Utah on October 1, 1931. As a youth, he learned the value of hard work and developed a love for nature as he helped his father tend their farm. He also learned how to build and repair practically anything, and how to be self-reliant.
As a young man, Keith left home to serve his country in the army during the Korean War. His unit was stationed overseas in Great Britain, where he manned an anti-aircraft gun.
Upon his return from the army he completed his education, eventually earning a Master of Industrial Education degree from Utah State University. He spent much of his adult life as an industrial arts teacher, sharing his love of carpentry and construction with thousands of young men and women. He taught for many years at Irving Junior High until its closure, and finished his career at Murray High School.
During this time he married Barbara Anne Munford in the St. George LDS Temple on May 14, 1955. Together they raised a family of six children. He taught his children to love nature and how to create beautiful things with their hands. The creativity and craftsmanship he taught them is still very prominent in their careers and hobbies.
Keith was a kind man of gentile dignity who shared his talents freely throughout a lifetime of service. He used his skills as a master craftsman, carpenter, and contractor to help his family and many others. Besides building or remodeling homes for each of his children, he was usually busy with a construction or remodeling project for one of his neighbors or friends.
He was also a man of deep faith. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he served in many capacities over his lifetime. He particularly treasured the many years he and Barbara served as ordinance workers in the Jordan River Temple, and their missionary service in the Florida Jacksonville Mission, as well as their service as missionaries in the Sandy, Utah Willow Creek Stake.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Pearl Benson, and his brother Elwood Benson. He is survived by his wife Barbara, and six children, Mike (Torrie) Benson, Ann (Richard) Heath, Steve (Trina) Benson, Scott (Trudy) Benson, and Tom (Jan) Benson, and Alan (Michelle) Benson; brothers Clair (Pat), Wayne (Alice); 26 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.
His loving countenance, wry sense of humor and love of building, lives on in his posterity.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Willow Creek 7th Ward LDS Chapel, 2115 E. Creek Rd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
Friends may visit with his family on Monday evening, August 6th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, Utah, and on Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Willow Creek 7th Ward Chapel.
Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, Utah.
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Nurse Marty, Kent Montgomery, and the staff of Caregiver Support Network Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care and compassionate service.
