We are saddened to announce the passing of Vernon "Vern" Benson, who was born on June 6, 1950, in Sandy Springs, Gaithersburg, Maryland. He peacefully left us on February 10, 2025, with his wife and daughters by his side. He was preceded in death by his father Gordon Benson, his mother Eleanor Benson and his sister Theresa Nunnenkamp. He is survived by his loving wife Bernadette Benson, whom he married in 1991. Vernon is also survived by his two daughters, Melissa "Missi Wood (Chuck) and Krissy Davidson (Mark), brother Randy Benson as well as his three grandchildren Caleigh, Angela and Charles and one great- grandson, Cayson.

Vernon graduated from La Plata Senior High School in 1968 then entered into the United States Marine Corps in November of 1968. He went on to serve his country as a U.S. Marine Corps Rifleman (0311), separating in 1971. He served for three years as a Sergeant with the 1st Battalion 9th Marines (1/9) who were given the name "The Walking Dead" demonstrating courage and dedication to his country after the great loss of his best friend in combat Bobby Shegogue. Vernon later served in the LaPlata Police Department as the first K-9 Officer for the Department. Vernon then went to drive tractor trailers and propane trucks for many years to then completely go into to his full-time lawncare business which took many hours of his day.

Even after his military career, Vernon lived by the old adage "Once a Marine Always a Marine" down to his last breath. He was always wearing his Marine Corp attire and was proud to shout out to his fellow Marines "Semper-Fi", meaning "Always Faithful".

Vernon had a passion for baseball, especially the New York Yankees. This led him to managing his own men's league team called The LaPlata Yankees where he coached many great guys who all became "family". When Vernon wasn't at the baseball field, he might be cutting grass and landscaping for many of the locals around Charles County, including many small businesses. He was always in his most comfortable work attire, a t-shirt and shorts, running around Charles County in his work van and visiting several of his favorite places that included the American Legion Post 82, Martin's Service Station and Hugh Gardiner's in Faulkner, MD.

Vernon also had a great passion for his animals from his dogs, cats and birds. Most of which, were rescued by Vernon and his wife, Bernadette. He was one of the hardest working men I've ever known even after he was diagnosed with cancer which he beat, to his end-stage heart failure which ultimately took him away from us. He never let us know he just might be having a bad day because he didn't get that name "Jarhead" I mean, "hardhead" just from being Vernon.

Unfortunately, Vernon lost his long battle with End-Stage heart disease, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

The Celebration of Life will take place at Arehart Echols Funeral Home on Wednesday February 19, 2025, from 10am to 12 noon for family and friends.

Following the Celebration of life, the Family of Vernon Benson would like to welcome all to the repass at American Legion 82 in LaPlata, MD.