MILTON - Ralph Dale Benson passed away on Thurs., Oct. 3, 2013, from a massive heart attack. Dale was born on Oct. 2, 1953 in Milford, son of the late Ralph Elmer and Evelyn Marie (Nichols) Benson. He graduated from Milford High School with the Class of 1971 and continued his education at Delaware Technical & Community College earning two degrees. After completing college, he was employed for a short time as an architect with Perdue but spent the majority of his life working on his 4th generation family farm in Sussex County. Dale also owned and operated a produce stand, Melon Mania, a local favorite for many years. Dale was an avid hunter, a dedicated Phillies fan, and was a fierce competitor in the game of horseshoes winning many trophies. He is a past Exalted Ruler of the Milford Elks Lodge #2401. He is survived by a son, Beau Benson of Dover; a daughter, Dana McIntosh and her husband Michael of Destin, Fla.; two sisters, Darlene Carey and her husband Curt of Lincoln, and Donna Benson-Chan and her husband Roger of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren, Hayden, Abigail, and Dylan McIntosh; and his nieces and nephews, Emily Chan, Zachary Chan, Monica Arseneau, and Justin Arseneau. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 8, 2013 at the Lincoln Cemetery, Clendaniel Pond Rd, Lincoln. Burial will follow the services. Condolences may be emailed at www.delmarvaobits.com/rogers Arrangements handled by Rogers Funeral Home, Milford.