Lonzo Benson

Lonzo "George" Benson will be remembered for his extraordinary kindness, his compassion and the love he had for his family and friends! He was a man of integrity and honesty, and he was a diligent businessman where he focused on the needs and care of his family and community. He also understood his obligation to his Father, Jehovah God! We appreciated his love for God, his faith in God's Kingdom and the respect he had for the Bible as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. His legacy also included coming to the aid of others when they were in need of comfort and support.

Lonzo was born on September 13, 1937 in Birmingham, AL where he was the fifth child born to the late Lehman and Ella Benson. Our Dear father lived his life as a noble and honorable man until his death on August 9, 2021. Lonzo relocated from Andalusia, AL to Middletown, OH along with his family in 1961. While living in Middletown, he embraced his calling as an independent businessman. He provided various community services, including restaurant, grocery, housing, and other vital services. He enjoyed providing needed services within his community. He later moved to Dayton, OH and continued his work as an independent businessman. Our father was also a lover of music. He played the guitar and keyboard. He was a compassionate, kind, and loving person! His love and concern for his family and for his fellow man is an example for all humanity! We will also remember and cherish the fond memories we shared and especially the numerous hours we spent with our father rehearsing for concerts and performing together as a family. Our band was established in 1974, and we called it "Carey Benson & The Inside View." We produced two records "Chris' Jam" and "Aint It So Nice." It was the brainchild of our father who actually formed the band, and instilled the love of music in us. He also forged a close friendship with Roger Troutman, founder of the Zapp Band. They became dear friends and they shared their love of music at Mr. Troutman's studio. When our brother Chris was a youth, Roger would invite him to practice with him in his garage!

Lonzo was preceded in death by his wife, Tommie Mae Brown (August, 2003), his son Carey C. Benson (February, 2011), and his second wife, Lular Mae Cowan (2013). Lonzo was also preceded in death by four of his siblings - Lehman Benson II, Clara Lee, Catherine McCollom, and David Benson. Lonzo is survived by four sons and one daughter - Christopher Benson, Carl Benson, and Coris Benson, all of Dayton, OH; Curtis Benson (Magdalene) of Temple, TX; and Angelia Samuel of Madison, AL. He is also survived by three grandsons - Steed Benson, Chad Benson, and Yekeh Cowan; and a loving community of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives, and friends. His surviving siblings are Geraldine Smith, James Benson, Willie Benson and Maple Richardson.

Our family thank each of you for your love, support, and comfort during this challenging time. We will miss our father dearly, and we will always cherish the fond memories!

Services will be streamed over Zoom through the church.
Zoom ID: 837 344 9434
Zoom Password: 2020
Date: Friday, August 20, 2021
Time: 6:00 PM CST

To share a memory of Lonzo or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.