Obituary of Gordon Laris Benson

Gordon L. Benson 86 passed away July 6, 2022. Gordon was born in Ottumwa, IA April 5 to Laris & Belva Hannah Benson.

He was proud to have served in the U.S. Army for 6 years. He received his B.S. degree from Truman State, Missouri, and a M.S. degree in Guidance & School Administration from Southern Illinois University.

 

Gordon began his career at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, St. Louis, Missouri, serving as Assistant Dean & Director of Admissions for 12 years. He was at Clark County Community College, North Las Vegas, Nevada as the Director of Admissions & Records followed by University of Houston-Downtown Houston, Texas as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Services. He also spent time at Wayne County Community College, Detroit, Michigan as Vice Provost /Enrollment & Student Services. He retired from Mesa Community College (Maricopa County Community College District) having served as the Associate Dean of Student Services for ten years. 

 

Gordon was involved in many professional and civic activities during his extensive career and his love for students always prevailed. Examples are: Gordon was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. While serving as President of the St. Louis Board of Education, the board decided not to contest the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Marh 03, 1980 desegregation order. Gordon adopted the posture that integration could be orderly and constructive. Gordon was Interfraternity Council President, a member of the White House Conference on Education, St. Louis, MO and was listed in Who's Who in American Colleges. Gordon was active in neighborhood activities in St. Louis Hills. 

 

Gordon is survived by his wife Joanna and his sister Shirley (John) Watts and preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

 

Visitation will be held July 15, 2022, at Legacy Funeral Home, 1374 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225 from 10:00am – 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Gordon L. Benson Scholarship Endowment at the Maricopa Community College District Foundation, 2419 West 14^th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281 or to a charity of your choice in remembrance of Gordon L. Benson.