Carl Benson,72

HARRINGTON - Carl Benson of Harrington, peacefully departed this life on Jan., 2, 2009, in Delaware Hospice Center at the age of 72. Carl was a 1954 graduate of William Henry High School. He served active duty in the U.S. Army from 1954-1958, stationed in Germany. He later transferred to the Army Reserves and served until 1962. Carl later continued his education for two years at Delaware State College. He received his certification in Barbering from the Salisbury Barber School. Carl retired from Kraft/General Foods in 1996 after 30 years of service. In addition he was employed for more than 25 years as Church Sexton for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Harrington. Carl was a faithful member of St. Paul AME Church for 48 years and later transferred to John Wesley AME Church Deliverance Center in Dover to serve as 1st Gentleman along with his wife Pastor Frances Benson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 50 years, Rev. Frances Benson of Harrington, two sons; Bruce (Shari) Guelph, Canada, Michael of Palm Bay, Fla.; three daughters, Carla Green (Ernest) of Dover, Pamela Mann of Newark, and Trina Walker of Dover; one daughter-in-law, Patricia Benson of Palm Bay, Fla., mother-in-law, Rachel Thorpe of Aston, Pa.; 17 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Burton Leroy Benson of Harrington, and Delbert Eugene (Deloris) of Cambridge, Md.; two sisters; Catherine Stevens of Harrington, and Louise Gray of Chandler, Ariz., eight brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; one god daughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Services were 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 190 Raughley Hill Road Harrington, where friends viewed two hours prior. Burial was in Barrett's Chapel, Frederica. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.