Charles L. Benson, Sr., 81, of Niles, died at 11:24 a.m. Sunday, April 24, 2011 at his home of natural causes.

He was born May 22, 1929 in Warren Tenn. He was a utilities arborist and U.S. Army veteran. He loved music and his faith; he was an avid musician; belonged to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Niles; and loved the outdoors.

He married Faye Benson on May 12, 1956 in Buchanan. She survives in Niles.

He is also survived by his sons, Charles (Kristen) Benson, Jr. of Cassopolis and Stephen (Elizabeth) Benson of Cassopolis; daughters, Kathi (Britt) Conrad of Ravenden, Ark., Susan (Ken) Hoffman of St. Joseph and Lori Lott of Niles; a brother, James Schrimsher of Imboden, Ark.; sisters, Clara Austin of Niles, Helen Wilbur of Walnut Ridge, Ark., Elsie Austin of Hoxie, Ark. and Pauline McNew of Nashville, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Lee Benson and Pearle Crawford; and two brothers, Waleter Lee Benson and Eugene Benson.

A memorial service was held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Niles with John Yeater, Jr. officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice at Home, Inc., 4017 Chamberlain Rd., Buchanan MI 49107.