Leonard Lenny Benson

Leonard L. (Lenny) Benson, 77 passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on December 20, 2022, at AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in Tavares, FL. Leonard was born in Marion, Ohio on January 28th, 1945, to Harry Walter and Richardine Helen Benson, as the youngest of three children. A year after meeting on a blind date, Leonard married Marsha Mulvain on 3/19/1966. Settled in Columbus, Leonard attended Ohio State University while working full time at the post office. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science, he began his 30-year career as a senior auditor with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, retiring in 2003. During his time with the federal government, Leonard continued his academic pursuits, acquiring a Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University and certification as a Certified Public Accountant. Leonard worked hard, but he still had time for fun, coaching little league baseball, fishing, camping, reading, collecting books, puzzles, traveling, and family vacations. His love of antiques and glassware took him and Marsha to flea markets and auctions all over Ohio. He also loved to play games, his battle cry: “I am here to win!”. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with them. Not one to sit still in retirement, Leonard became pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church, in Troy, OH serving for 10 years. Finally lured by warm weather, Leonard and Marsha relocated to Leesburg, Florida in 2018 where he became a Sunday school teacher at the Eustis UMC and served as their treasurer. Anyone who knew Leonard was well aware of his sense of humor and how much he enjoyed making people laugh. He was famous for his ‘dad’ jokes and breaking out into spontaneous song no matter where he was. Leonard was loved by everyone; even strangers would share their life stories and he would listen, offer some sage advice and they would part as friends. Leonard was predeceased by his father, Harry Walter Benson; mother, Richardine Helen Benson (Cryder); and brother, Kenneth Benson. He is survived by his wife: Marsha Benson (Mulvain); daughters: Cassandra (Paul) Martin; Rebecca (Andrew) Martin; five grandchildren: Keith Martin, Amber Hammond (Martin), Jamie Asher (Bryant), Christopher Martin, Brandon Martin; and ten Great Grandchildren; sister, Violet Sims (Benson). The family is planning a memorial gathering at the Eustis United Methodist Church on January 10th at 10:00am, all are welcome. 600 S Grove Street, Eustis, FL 32726 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Eustis United Methodist Church please designate to be used for mission work. 600 S Grove Street, Eustis, FL 32726 Condolences can be shared at (Beyers link here).

Leonard Lenny Benson

January 28, 1945 - December 20, 2022