Anthony ‘Tony’ Jay Benson of Rangely, Colo., passed away at his home on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. He was born Nov. 23, 1961, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Billy and Geneva Benson.
Anthony preferred to be called Tony and would tell everyone that only bill collectors called him Anthony. Tony enjoyed drawing, painting, making things, participating in Elks functions and spending time with family.
He married the love of his life, Deanna, on April 7, 2007, in Salida, Colo., among a few family members and friends. He had come up to Colorado to seek work and fell in love in the first month he was there.
Tony and Deanna expanded family by having a son, Logan, and a daughter, Kira Jo. Tony also has two sons from a previous marriage who live in Oklahoma, Jonathan McLaud and Nathan Benson. Family was very important to Tony and he would do anything for them.
Tony was preceded in death by: his parents, Bill and Geneva Benson; and a brother, Greg Benson. He is survived by four children: Jonathan McLaud, Nathan, Logan and Kira Jo Benson; his wife, Deanna Benson; his brothers, Jeffery and Michael Benson; three grandchildren and one grandson on the way.
A celebration of life will be held at the Rangely Elks Lodge at 2 p.m.on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to help with expenses.