Benson

Don G. Benson, Jr. died on July 30, 2026, at the age of 85. Don was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Kitty, and is survived by his daughters, Pat and Liz, their spouses Norm and Dan, grandsons Alex, Matt, and Tony, granddaughter Erin, and great-grandchildren Aoife and Rowan. Despite recent health setbacks, Don’s passing has been a shock to his family and close friends.

Don was born Sept. 3, 1940, in Houston, to Patricia (nee Shamblin), an artist, and Don G. Benson, a petroleum geologist. Don traveled widely as a child with his family as they moved both in the United States and around the world in connection with the geological exploration for oil and gas. Don attended Tulane University in New Orleans, La., for his undergraduate degree and there became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Don then attended the University of Virginia where he and Kitty both completed Ph.D. degrees the same year they were married. After graduating, Don and Kitty both worked as professors at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, before migrating back to Virginia, where they both took teaching posts, Kitty at Radford College and Don at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. In 1977, Don completed a master’s degree in Geology at VPI and moved the family to New Orleans to begin his career as a petroleum geologist.

Don honed his skill working first for Texaco and then for Amoco in New Orleans and Amoco/BP in Houston. Don was an active member of several geological associations and was President of the American Association of Strategic Palynologists (AASP) in 1986/87. After retiring, Don continued work as a consulting palynologist in the company of good friends under the IRF Group flag. Throughout his career, Don fostered lifelong friendships with many colleagues.

A born outdoorsman, Don enjoyed hunting and fishing as opportunity provided wherever he happened to be. Whether dove or bear hunting in Virginia, duck hunting or fishing in Louisiana, elk hunting in the West, or pheasant or deer hunting in Texas, Don took pride in his ability to provide for his family and friends. A life-long competitive shooter, Don’s was an enthusiasm that began with a bb gun in Venezuela at age 7 and never slowed down. Don was double-distinguished, winning many awards and competitions over the years at local, national and international shooting matches as both an individual and team competitor.

Don supported both the Texas State Rifle Association (TSRA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA) as a Life Member. Don served in many roles within the TSRA, including a multi-term stint as President, and was an active engaged board member for many years.

One of his favorite ways to give back to the sport he loved was to mentor and coach many of the Texas junior shooters. For Don, helping young shooters to develop their skill and grow the sport was wonderfully rewarding.

Similarly, as a lay leader and member of the First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Don gave back to his community in service for many years, including through various bible studies, the annual UM Army, and the after-school ministry. Perhaps, though, he might be best remembered for his association with the annual Thanksgiving dinner, which he hosted for many years.

Throughout his full life, Don cherished his family, friends, and dogs. From his first childhood pet to his final companion, Don lived the truism that dogs make everything better. Don met life with discipline, generosity, and love for the many people and pursuits that filled his 85 years. Don will be deeply missed by all those who knew him and never forgotten.