Brian Shane Benson, 52, passed away on February 24, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri. He was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and spent his childhood and adolescence in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1992. During his 20 years of service, Brian lived in Bitburg, Germany, Spokane, Washington, and Wichita, Kansas, before retiring from Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, in 2012. Following his retirement, he moved to Joplin, MO, where he resided until his passing.
Brian dedicated much of his life to his country, first specializing in Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Maintenance for 16 years before cross-training to Command Post for the final four years of his career. His love of music and drums was a constant throughout his life; it was impossible to ride in the car with him without hearing him drum on the dashboard. A fan of heavy metal, Metallica was his favorite band, and he was always enthusiastic about sharing his passion for music.
Brian’s family was at the heart of his life, even though he sometimes struggled to show it. He enjoyed DIY projects and loved remodeling the homes he lived in, always putting his personal touch into each space. A funny and charismatic soul, Brian had a gift for making people laugh. His jokes, silly accents, and wild ideas were a part of who he was, and he never failed to bring joy to those around him. Brian was an extrovert who could make friends with just about anyone, and he cherished his relationships with those he held dear.
Brian is survived by his wife, Debbie Benson, of Joplin, MO; daughter Alicia Sherrill and her husband Andrew Sherrill, of Abilene, TX; his mother, Winona Taylor, of Arkansas; siblings Darren Benson and his wife Jennifer of Indiana, Amy Thiessen and her husband Brad of Oklahoma, Jerry Benson and his wife Amanda of Missouri, Robby Benson and his wife Megan of Missouri, Cody Hight and his wife Kelsey of Missouri; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A memorial service will be held on March 5th, 2025, at 2:00 PM at 5014 Newman Road, Joplin, MO.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory, Joplin, MO.