Keith Paul Benson

Keith Paul Benson, 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in his home. Keith was born in LaPorte, Indiana, on October 26, 1948, to the late Lee and Pauline (Harris) Benson. Keith was a 1966 graduate of North Judson High School. On September 18, 1971, in Medaryville, Indiana, he married the love of his life, Susan (Shortz) Benson. Keith started his career working at Brems in the Co-Op, where he earned the nickname “Swamper”. In 1973, he went to work for the Howmet Company as a Laborer and retired in 2013 after 40 years of service. During their 53 years of marriage, Keith and Susan welcomed two children, their son Craig, their daughter Blair, and three grandchildren, Caden, Connor, and Teaghan Jo. Keith had a variety of interests. In his early years, he loved fast cars, particularly his 1968 Barracuda, and traveling around pulling tractors with his brothers and children. He loved pheasant hunting and raised many labs, which he trained to hunt. In his 50s, he developed a love for motorcycles and purchased his first bike. He loved riding his motorcycle, exploring new places, and even convinced Susan it was her idea when he purchased his second bike. Keith never passed up an opportunity for an orange Hi-C from McDonalds or a cold brew from the nearest pub. If you were to stop in and visit him at home, you would probably catch him watching Gunsmoke or a favorite western on TV. Whether it was hunting, tractor pulling, watching westerns, riding his motorcycle, or drinking a favorite cold beverage, Keith found happiness doing the things he loved and recalling his adventures to anyone who would listen. But what Keith loved most was his family. In Keith’s early years, he loved playing and coaching softball. He loved coaching Blair in summer leagues, and then when his grandkids became involved in athletics, he could often be heard coaching them from the sidelines. If you ever doubted how good they were, Keith would be sure to set you straight. All his grandkids were superstars in his eyes, and he loved nothing better than being able to attend anything they were involved in. Keith is survived by his loving wife, Susan, son Craig, and daughter-in-law Bethany Benson, Daughter Blair, and son-in-law Noah Hoppe; his grandchildren, Caden Benson, Connor Benson, and Teaghan Jo Benson, all of North Judson; His siblings, Alan Benson of Knox, Indiana, Gary (Gail) Benson of North Judson, Indiana, James (Ruth) Benson of Culver, Indiana, and Marla Benson of North Judson, Indiana; Aunt, Clarabelle Troike of North Judson, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Pauline Benson, father and mother-in-law Frank and Mildred Shortz, brother-in-law John Shortz, and sister in law Emey Benson. Keith never knew a stranger and will be long remembered in the hearts of his family and friends by his stories, kindness, and love. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 2-4 PM CT Friday, August 1, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life Ceremony at the O'Donnell Funeral Home and Chapel, North Judson, Indiana.

Keith Paul Benson

October 26, 1948 - July 23, 2025