Stephen Kent "Steve" Benson

Stephen Kent “Steve” Benson, age 70, of Xenia, Ohio, passed away on February 21, 2025, peacefully in his home, with his wife and children by his side. Steve was a loving husband of 22 years to Marla K. Benson. Born April 21,1954, in Xenia, Ohio, to Patricia Benson and the late Karl Benson of Xenia.

Steve was a lifelong musician and vocalist that loved sharing his gift of music with the world, from Sunday morning worship to ‘bike-night’s’ at the roadhouse. Perhaps best known for his music career, his talent took him on gigs all over the country. Many have enjoyed Steve's drum skills and vocals in bands, including Jasper Mills and Dixie Peach. Steve was also a member of AHOP Church, where he played drums in the praise and worship band for over 19 years. Later in life, if he wasn’t at band practice you could likely find him at the baseball diamonds watching his grandson, Asa, playing ball. 

Steve was devoted to his wife, kids and grandchildren, which in addition to his wife, Marla, Steve is survived by his son, Karl Benson (Kaylie Dembowski) and their children, Hailey, Allie, and Ella; daughter, Elaine Marsden (Dallas Staton) and their children, Alexys, Asa, and Jase.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Karl Benson; sister, Judy Straw; and brother, Patrick Benson. He is also survived by mother, Patricia Benson; sister, Sue Mckinney (Lee Mckinney); brother in-law, Randy Straw; brother, David Benson (Michelle Benson); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and bandmates that he loved dearly. 

Steve retired from the Greene County Council on Aging in 2022, after 22 years of service to the community. In 1995, Steve was awarded Umpire of the Year from the Dayton Amateur Baseball Umpire Association (DABUA). Steve was a special soul that had an impact on all that he had the gift of knowing. 

A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held at A House of Prayer (AHOP), 282 Stelton Road, Xenia, Ohio 45385, on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

To share a memory of Steve or a special message with his family, please visit the Guest Book below. 

“When I come to the end of my journey

and I travel my last weary mile,

just forget if you can, that I ever frowned

and only remember the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;

remember some good I have done.

Forget that I ever had heartache 

and remember I’ve had loads of fun.

Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered

and sometimes fell by the way.

Remember I have fought some hard battles 

and won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going,

I would not have you sad for a day.

But in summer just gather some flowers

and remember the place where I lay,

and come in the shade of evening

when the sun paints the sky in the west.

Stand for a few moments beside me 

and remember only my best.”