Dr. John W. Benson, 74, of Nashport, died Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at his home. He was born November 28, 1947, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, a son of the late Jack W. and Dorothy (Plewe) Benson. John graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh with a BS in Biological Sciences and received his PhD from Michigan State University in Zoological Sciences with an emphasis in Animal Behavior. He retired as a College Professor from Ohio University-Zanesville after thirty eight years and was a long time member of St. James Episcopal Church. John was a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and a supporter of various charities.  He loved 60’s and 80’s music and enjoyed travelling especially to the beach. He will mostly be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved to spend time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years, Susan (Randall) Benson whom he married October 1, 1966; a daughter, Kimberly (Matthew) Rice; a son, Christopher (Jeanette) Benson; four grandchildren, Katherine Rice, Alexander Rice, Karl Benson and Tyler Benson; two brothers, Richard Benson and James Benson, and a sister, Patricia Benson; a niece and four nephews; and a beloved Basset Hound, Emma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to St. James Episcopal Church, 155 North 6th Street, P.O. Box 1445, Zanesville, Ohio 43701 care of either St. Matthew’s Garden or the Friendship Dinner, or to Genesis Hospice, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at St. James Episcopal Church, 155 North 6th Street, Zanesville with Fr. Robert Willmann officiating. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of the service. Following the service he will be laid to rest in the St. James Columbarium.

The family wishes to thank Genesis Hospice for all the love and care they gave John and our family.

BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE entrusted with all arrangements.

To send a note of condolence visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.