Howard A. Benson died Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, at Merit Health River Region Medical Center. He was 65.

Mr. Benson was born in Chicago and grew up in Southern California, but had lived in Vicksburg since 1972. He was the son of the late Bennett Bruce and Rosemary Benson.

After graduating high school, Howard attended Humboldt University in Arcata, California, where he received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. After college, he moved to Colorado and worked with the Colorado Highway Dept. until he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

While serving in the Army he was relocated to Vicksburg and at the end of his tour was offered a position in the Hydraulics Lab at Waterways Experiment Station. He remained at that position until his retirement in 2004.

Howard had been a sports enthusiast, enjoying a variety of sports including softball, bowling, racquetball and tennis.  But his true passion was spending time on the golf course and being grandfather to Jack and Caroline. He was also a member of Church of the Holy Trinity and the Mississippi Episcopal Cursillo community.

Howard is survived by his wife, Mary, and would have celebrated their 40th anniversary in January. He was also survived by his son, Scott (Amanda); two grandchildren, Jack Oliver and Caroline Grace; sisters-in-law, Ann Henley (Bill), Paula Hutchins (Bruce); and brother-in-law, Ed Oliver; very close friend, Patsy Tompkins; sister Diane Druyor (Keith); brother Robert Benson; as well as loving family and personal friends.

The entire family would like to commend and send their deepest appreciation to Dr. Sam Pierce and the nurses of the CVR Unit at Merit Health River Region for the loving, gentle and compassionate care they took of Howard during his stay there. They are truly angels in scrubs. Also, a special thanks to the CVR housekeeper, Tonya.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Church of the Holy Trinity or Paws Rescue, P.O. Box 13, Redwood, MS 39156.

Services will be at the Church of the Holy Trinity Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.