George Sinclair Benson, III
October 24, 1943 ~ February 7, 2024
George Sinclair Benson III died February 7, 2024 in Andover, KS. He was 80 years old. He is survived by three children, George Benson (Jennifer), Beth Weishaar (Michael), Sara Streich (Tony) and seven grandchildren, Katie and Sophie Benson, Spencer and Charlie Weishaar, and Jack, Ben and Sam Streich. He is also survived by his sister Emily Mathias of Wichita. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Ruth Lanning Benson. George was born on October 24, 1943 in Long Beach, CA to George Sinclair Benson Jr. and Frances Cleaver Benson. He graduated as valedictorian and letterman from El Dorado High School. He earned a degree from the University of Kansas in 1965. George was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. George Benson graduated from University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1969 with the I.S. Ravdin Surgery Award. George served in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. He retired as Lieutenant Commander serving as Medical Officer and Battalion Surgeon, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.Dr. Benson had a distinguished career as a doctor, surgeon, researcher and mentor to several generations of students as Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He authored a number of research papers and standard teaching materials in urology. In 1999 he joined the Food and Drug Administration and retired as Director of the Division of Urologic and Reproductive Drugs in 2011.Aside from family and work his passions included WWII history, New York Times crossword puzzles and KU basketball. Most of all George was charming, quick witted and generous. George and Mary Ruth lived in Philadelphia, PA, Virginia Beach, VA, Cherry Hill, NJ, Houston, TX, and Potomac, MD. They gained many friends along the way. George was a loving husband, father, grandfather and true friend to all who knew him. He will be missed.Memorial Service will be at 12:00 pm, Monday, February 19, 2024, at El Dorado Presbyterian Church.A memorial has been established with: Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA 22172.Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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i met George through Ruth as a theta and what a loving couple We talked alot as they moved on to Washington and always appreciated his insight to the workings of Washington and his incredible career. What great parents you had! susi heuer bazelides
I was fortunate enough to be trained by George (Dr Benson). Easily one of the smartest men I’ve ever met, yet so grounded, funny, and dedicated. My life is so much richer having known George.
RIP Marine
To the Benson family,
I had the immense fortune of being mentored by and working with George at the FDA. To say George was an impeccable mentor and father at work feels like a gross understatement. His conversations were peppered with stories about his family. It was clear to me how much he loved you all. I am so blessed for having known George. My deepest condolences to you,
Christine N.
I was a medical student in Houston in 1982, and Dr. George Benson was the main reason that I went into urology as a profession. He was encyclopedic in his memory of the medical literature, and was totally dedicated to advancing education at all levels. He was also a fun person to be around. I wish that I could have told him what a life changer that he was. RIP, Dr. Benson!
We all moved to Potomac, MD around the same time in 2000. Mary Ruth and I met at Potomac Newcomers and became fast friends. At our first social I remember her saying in her octive lowered voice, “Now George, behave, we don’t know these people yet.” Of course, he didn’t and we all went home laughing, knowing we were going to be great friends. We spent many evenings sharing dinners, stories of our families and trips together. We miss them terribly but know they are in a very special spot in heaven, surrounded by Gods love and keeping an eye out for their wonderful family. With sympathy and love, Jane and Jeff Ferguson
Benson family,
I am one of George’s FDA “work daughters.” Your dad served as my mentor when i started at FDA in 2004 until his retirement.
You all sure were blessed with a wonderful father. He was smarter than everyone but exceedingly humble. I heard so many stories about all of you, your spouses, your children, your mom and Fanny Benson (who through George improved my writing immensely!). He was hilarious and never shied from bawdy jokes (our work on urology and reproductive drugs provided ample material). Jokes aside, Dr. B was a true gentleman. They don’t make many men like that — a loyal husband, father and friend. I sure do miss him.
With deepest sympathy,
Olivia Easley
I’m devastated to learn of George’s passing. We had “StudyHall” together at EHS. George was so smart. We had many stimulating and thought provoking conversations. His mother was my math teacher at EJHS. My sincerest condolences to the family. George and his gifts/graces will be sorely missed.
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you Dr. George for your service to this nation. Career U.S. Marine Corps. Retired as a Lt. Commander’
Fair winds and following seas sailor. “Boatswain… Standby to pipe the side… Shipmate’s going Ashore…” Thank you Dr. George for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy.
I’ve known George for more than 50 years.
We were residents at Penn together and then years later FDA colleagues. He was a rare individual, brilliant,funny and most importantly a man with a strong moral compass. He was a model human being.
May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Dan Shames