Elvis Benson

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Elvis Weldon Benson, age 92, of rural Cutler, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2008 in Pinckneyville Community Hospital.

Elvis was born on March 22, 1916 in Swanwick, a son to Albert Daniel and Ida Mae (Ernest) Benson. He was of the Baptist faith and had been a Christian since the age of nine. He was a veteran of the United States Army during World War II serving in Normandy in Northern France, Rhineland in Central Europe. During his tours he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and received many honors including: Victory Medal, American Defense Service Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Battle Stars, 3 Overseas Service Bars, 1 Service Stripe and Good Conduct medal. Elvis was a farmer, a 4-H leader for twenty years and was a member of the Farm Bureau.

He is survived by one son: Alan Benson of Cutler, three daughters: Sharon Benson of Troy, Mo., Vivian Benson of Danville, and Janice Benson of Bloomington, Ind., and former wife: Helen Benson of Pinckneyville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Iona Beck and Olive Benson and one son-in-law: Richard Wilson.

Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tim McIntyre officiating. Interment will be in Galum Baptist Cemetery, Pinckneyville.

Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Perry County Humane Society.

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.