Donald Everett Benson

Donald Everett Benson, 75, Topeka, formerly of California and Kansas City, MO, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at a local hospital.

Donald was born February 8, 1945 in Topeka, the son of David and Aline (Hickman) Benson. They divorced and Aline married Merrill Jenkins, who was also a father figure to Donald. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1963. He also attended Washburn University and graduated from Stormont-Vail School of Nursing with a diploma in Nursing and Baker University with a Nursing Degree.

Donald served in the U.S. Army from 1965 – 1967, including a deployment in the Vietnam War, an experience he never forgot. He served as a Sergeant (SGT) with the Quartermaster Corp as the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the PX in Chu Lai, Vietnam. His decorations included the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Donald worked as a Registered Nurse, caring for others at several local hospitals and retired from the V.A. Hospital in Kansas City in 2011. Donald started his career as an orderly but believed in lifelong learning, becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a graduate of Stormont-Vail School of Nursing as the first African American male nursing student and obtaining a Baccalaureate in Nursing from Baker University.

Donald married the love of his life, Clara Hobson on August 28, 1972 in Topeka. His wife of a never boring 48 years survives. Other survivors include their children, Daniel Everett Benson (Elizabeth), Topeka, Beth Benson-Yost, Austin, TX, Jared Benson, Topeka; 10 cherished grandchildren: Matthew, Everett, Grace, Hunter, Wheeler, Tallulah, Veda, Owen, Dillon, and Zachary; an older brother, William Benson, Topeka; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins across the country. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepparents and an older brother, Richard Benson.

Donald loved his wife and children and grandchildren more than anything. His adult children remember him as a strict father who became a cherished friend in adulthood, who gave freely of his love, counsel, and jokes. His grandchildren remember a loving grandfather who always had a light in his eyes just for them. His wife remembers a husband who loved her fiercely, even while pushing every last button.

Donald loved motorcycle riding, taking the journey multiple times to the famous Sturgis rally on his Harley, often accompanied by his oldest son, Daniel. Donald was also an artist and was able to explore his interest after retirement. Donald won the "Emerging Artist" award at the Aaron Douglas Art fair for his decorative walking sticks that he loved spending his days making.

Donald also had a lifelong love of music, a trait passed on to his children and grandchildren. He loved artists like The Whispers, Luther Vandross, Earth, Wind, and Fire, and Teddy Pendergrass. Donald and Clara were able to see many of his favorite musicians live, much to his delight.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Mount Hope Cemetery Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home.

A Zoom meeting of the funeral will be held for people unable to attend in person due to COVID-19 or other restrictions. Please send your email to clara.benson@gmail.com and an invitation with a link to join the event will be sent to you.

Wearing of masks and social distancing is kindly required if you are attending in person.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association (https://www.diabetes.org/donate/donate-memorial) or the American Kidney Fund (https://www.kidneyfund.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/memorials-and-tributes.html) .

To leave a special message for the family online, visit the guestbook below.