Dr. Kenneth H. Benson

Remembering the Life of Dr. Kenneth H. Benson

October 19, 1946 - August 13, 2022

Dr. Kenneth Benson was born to Faye and Kenneth Benson on October 19, 1946, in San Diego, CA. Ken’s twin sister, Martha Melinda, died two weeks after they were born.

Ken graduated from Crawford High School (1964) where he participated in football, golf, Letterman’s Club, Latin Club, and the school play. After graduation, Ken attended Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX with dreams of becoming a minister. Along the way, his interests changed from ministry to medicine. Ken enrolled in Medical School at Texas Tech University in 1972 and graduated with the first three-year program. He joined the United States Air Force in 1975, completed an internship at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, and residency at The Presidio in San Francisco, CA. Ken was a Board-Certified Urologist, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the Texas Surgical Society. Ken retired from medicine in 2014.Throughout his career, Ken helped thousands of patients and their families navigate through illnesses and uncertainties. He was a remarkable surgeon and a compassionate physician.

Ken met his wife, Christie, over 50 years ago while they were both attending Texas Tech University. He admitted that “she was everything [he] wanted in a spouse: fun, thoughtful, kind, smart, intuitive, very attractive, from a good family.” They were married on January 4, 1974 in Gainesville, TX. Ken was thrilled to “marry the most beautiful woman, inside and out, [he] had ever met.” Together, they enjoyed entertaining, traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with family. Ken and Christie built a home in Brownwood, TX where they raised three children - Jeffery Warren, Rebecca Grace, and Scott Kenneth. In 2002, they relocated to Lubbock, TX. Christie loved Ken unconditionally, and she took care of him from the moment they met until his last breath.

The way Ken lived is indicative of the legacy he leaves behind. He was a Christian and like the song states, he believed that because Jesus lived, “it is well.” Ken enjoyed playing golf, drinking and collecting wine, listening to music, and playing cards. He was kind, caring and compassionate, and he cherished his friendships. He was intelligent and determined. He was generous, and he loved intensely. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. “Truth be told,” the best way to remember the man he was is to remember the lessons he taught throughout his life:  Work hard and always do your best; admit your mistakes and shortcomings; accept the consequences of your actions; never accept limitations; overcome obstacles and challenges with grit and determination; sing like no one is listening; dance even when there is no music; be honest with yourself and others; don’t lie; drink the wine; savor the meal; never stop learning; mediocrity is unacceptable; you are your best competitor; help others whenever you can; give generously; and, love freely.

Rest in peace, Dad. Thank you for your life, for your guidance, and for your love.

Ken is survived by his wife, Christie, and their three children: Jeff (Elizabeth) Benson, Becky (David) Hale, and Scott (Mia) Benson. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Ryan, James, Reese, William, Skylar, Harlow, and Thomas. Dr. Benson is survived by his three sisters:  Kathryn (Paul) Billing, Kristina (Greg) Cosgrove, and Kerri (Rob) Tweed; his mother-in-law, Shirley Wells; his sister-in-law, Debbie Erbes; two brothers-in-law: David (Miriam) Wells and Phillip (Patricia) Wells; and 15 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, twin sister, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew.

Financial donations in honor of Dr. Benson can be made to the ALS Association at https://donate.als.org/begenerous and the Texas Tech Medical School at  Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Make a Gift.