Curtis Askew Benson passed away Thursday, March 21, 2019.

July 1, 1925, the Earth would forever be changed when Curtis Askew Benson entered this world, the only son of Askew Benson and Alberta Smith.  As a child he attended Mt. Canaan Elementary School, Mt. Canaan Middle School and Mt. Canaan High School in Wetumpka, Alabama. Growing up Curtis enjoyed playing basketball, baseball and singing.  Being raised in a Christian household, Curtis was a very active member of Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.

Upon entering young adulthood Curtis heeded the call to serve our country in 1943 as a U.S. Navy Seaman during World War II. While in the Navy he tried his hand at boxing but mostly he served proudly as a 3^rd Class Cook until 1946.  During this time he considered himself the “Personal Casanova” to his childhood sweetheart Rosetta Golden and would write her touching love letters while at Sea.  His admiration for Rosetta started in 2^nd grade when he was a rambunctious grade schooler.  Instead of creating a positive way to demonstrate his true feelings for her, he would cause trouble for her in their one-room school!  Sweet little Rosetta resented Curtis for getting her in trouble with their teacher, however, little did she know that one day on a short break from Sea, Curtis would make her his devoted and loving bride on Sweetest Day, October 17, 1945. That union would last for over 50+ years.

To this holy matrimony and loving union, 5 amazing children were born: Herman Earl, Joyce Jean, Cynthia Louise, David (Mary) and Shirley Jo, all of which he purposed in his heart to make himself available as a loving, nurturing, God-fearing role model until his last days.

After leaving the navy with wife and child in tow as a World War II Veteran, Curtis moved to Akron, Ohio and found employment with Babcox and Wilcox where he would remain a faithful pipefitter for 40 years until his retirement.  Overjoyed with the baptism of his 3 eldest children, Curtis joined Greater Bethel Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee Board Member and Choir President for over 30 years.  He and Rosetta would later join Macedonia Baptist Church.

He was preceded into his Heavenly Home by his parents, his devoted wife Rosetta, 4 sisters: Martha Crenshaw, Mamie Tucker, Sherron Benson, and Delores Benson – 3 brothers; John Wesley Benson, William Benson, and Calvin Benson.  He leaves 4 siblings to cherish his precious memory; Antrena Gardner, Patricia Jones, Charles (Carolyn) Benson, Reginald (Patricia) Benson, 1 sister-in-law; Mary Benson and 1 brother-in-law: Raymond Tucker, 12 grandchildren; Dwayne Benson, RaMona D. Benson, Frankie (Terrence) Robinson, Renee (Jeffrey) Benson-Ludle, Kelyndia Benson, David Benson Jr.,  Devonne (Marshall) Preston, Shalonda Stevens, Cory Stevens, Latoya White, Maurice Bridges and Gregory Benson, a multitude of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, goddaughter Shiloh Hooks-Johnson and a host of friends and precious loved ones!

Curtis will be missed by many in the East Akron Community as local residents driving or walking by always looked forward to sharing a friendly wave with him as he sat on his front porch listening to his beloved Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns on the radio! He was also a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers.