Jerome Benson

Jerome Alvin Benson May 27, 1939 - March 31, 2015 Jerome Alvin Benson of Waco passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Services will be 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Doug Shafer officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Jerry was born on May 27, 1939, in Fairmont, Minnesota, to Edith and Alvin Benson. He attended Trimont High School and then Baylor University, graduating with a BS in Biology in 1964. While at Baylor, Jerry was a member of the ROTC and a Charter Member of the KOT Kappa Omega Tau fraternity. After graduation, Jerry became an active member of the Air Force, stationed at Laughlin Air Base in Del Rio, serving in the 3646th Pilot Training Wing as a flight instructor. While there, he trained many new pilots including scientist astronauts as part of the Apollo space program. After leaving the military with the rank of Captain, Jerry flew for 30 years as a commercial pilot, first for Western and then Delta Airlines, finally retiring as a Captain on the 767. As a retired pilot, he was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and a Lt Col in the Civil Air Patrol. He was also active in the flight program at TSTC, and a teacher and mentor to many pilots in the Waco area. Jerry was also a member of the First Assemblies of God Church in Waco for many years, where he was an active volunteer. Jerry was a lifelong Baylor Bear supporter and Bear Foundation member, who enjoyed attending games and rooting on his Baylor Bears. He loved engaging and chatting with people, and sharing his passion for flying and the Bears. Jerry was also proud of his Minnesota farmer and Scandinavian heritage; he and his wife, Anne, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Edith Benson; his sister, Janet Henely; and his nephew, Richie Robertson. He is survived by his wife, Anne; his daughter, Melissa; his son, Mark and his wife, Shannon; grandchildren, Andrew and Annalise; his nephew, Jeff Robertson; and brother-in-law, Paul Henely. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.