Fred Bernhardt Benson III

May 15, 1938 - March 23, 2022

Fred Bernhardt Benson, III, age 83, a resident of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2022 with his wife of 50 years at his side. He was born May 15, 1938 in Independence, KS to the late Fred and Ruth (Haworth) Benson and is survived by his sister Beverly Bacon of Tucson, Arizona. Beloved husband of Patricia (Gerst Denny), loving father of Fred Benson IV (Lisa), of Cle Elum, WA, Elizabeth Cerne (Neal) of Naperville, IL, John Denny (Krista) of Overland Park, KS, and William Benson (Julia) of Kansas City, MO. Adored grandfather of Caleb and Piper Benson, John, Brooke, and Kristen Cerne, Julia and Kate Denny, and Josephine, Philomena, and Oliver Benson. Fred lived an adventure-filled life that included extensive world travel with Patricia, kayaking in North Carolina with grandchildren, and playing golf whenever he had the opportunity. Fred was seldom seen without a KU hat and watched every KU basketball game with true Jayhawk passion. Fred majored in business at the University of Kansas, was part of the Navy ROTC, and a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Upon graduation, Fred proudly served on the USS Wisconsin as an officer in the Supply Corp. After serving in the Navy Fred worked at Meyer Dairy in Basehor, KS where he became the Controller. While at Meyer Dairy he earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Fred and Patricia moved to Bowie, MD where he was the Account Manager of Murray’s Foods of Washington D.C. and later V.P. Controller for Embassy Dairy in Waldorf, MD. Upon retirement he moved to Chocowinity, NC where both he and Patricia pursued their shared passion for travel, golf, and kayaking. Their time in North Carolina became a special and wonderful chapter of their lives. Fred and Patricia returned to Kansas City due to health issues and to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Fred will always be remembered for his strong and loving commitment to his family, faith, his country, and to KU basketball. A memorial service, with reception to follow, will be held at the Church of the Resurrection (Wesley Chapel), 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS, on Wednesday, March 30 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kansashealthsystem.com/savelives.