Husband, mayor, teacher, writer, musician, neighbor, and friend – these are just a few of the many titles used to describe Peotone longtime resident – Richard “Dick” Benson as he celebrates his 92nd year. So, it is with great pleasure the community, colleagues, neighbors, and friends, hope he had a very Happy Birthday, in addition to abundant wishes for many healthy and happy years to come.
Dick was born in Sheffield, Illinois, on August 2, 1932, to Harold and Florence Benson – their only child. Early on, service became part of his life, and he often was seen helping others in the small town, including mowing lawns or shoveling snow for older members of the community. Always one for a good chat, he often sat on a neighbor’s front porch, just to keep them company, and this attention to service has remained with him his entire life.
After graduating from Illinois State University, including a Masters in School Administration, he returned to Sheffield to teach nearby, but that was just his first stop. Several years later, while teaching at Southern Illinois University, he met and married his lifelong partner, Barbara, a math teacher. Sadly, after 58 years of marriage, she passed away on December 21, 1923. Many in the community remember her, as well, through her many years of devotion to Peotone’s Helping Hands Food Pantry, which she helped establish.
More than 50 years ago, the Peotone Community welcomed the Bensons to the area, and Dick made sure his life stayed busy, helpful, and productive. His accomplishments, as you can see, are quite numerous, including: Serving as Peotone’s Mayor for 10 years. Incidentally, in years past, residents may have seen a car in town with “MAYOR” on its license plate. Yep, it was the Bensons’.
For many, many years, he was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, as well as the organist until its closing, plus he provided his musical talents for seniors at the former Peotone-Bensenville Home.
His career as an educator has included titles of teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent for District 207-U, as well college professor, evaluator for many state and federal associations, plus extensive involvement in GED procurements. By his own admission, he has helped several thousand residents obtain their GEDs.
He served as an educational consultant, plus was a member and often an officer of many organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis, Phi Delta Kappa, Three Rivers Education for Employment System, and the Kan-Will Principals Association. Dick also found time to author two publications – “The ABE Student and the Curriculum,” and “The Para-Professional,” in addition to being a contributor to the Illinois State Curriculum. In addition to all his academic accomplishments, he also found time to officiate for local softball, baseball, basketball, and football games.
Here’s a little something most people would not necessarily expect from such an academic – but Dick was an avid Beanie Baby collector and owned a complete set. “They’re all brand new and clean. No one’s touched them, and I want to find a place to donate them,” he stated some time back. Just recently, all those thousands of Beanie Babies have been donated to Silver Cross Hospital, for all to enjoy.
In speaking with him on the phone recently, his voice is quite strong, and that jolly, infectious laugh is still present. And it was great to hear him say, “There’s still more I want to do!” We can only imagine what he has planned!
Happy Birthday, Dick, and wishing you many more!!! Thanks for making so many lives that much richer!!