Jon Alan Benson, 82, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 24, 2026, after a brief illness. He was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather whose thought-provoking questions and charismatic presence will be deeply missed.

Born November 6, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, to George Edward Benson and Evalyn Coe (Grubbs) Benson, Jon’s many boyhood adventures were driven by his vivid imagination, innovative spirit, and curious nature. He and a friend once built a rocket that they just knew would go to the moon but instead christened the neighborhood field with a freshly scorched hole. Throughout the ’50s and early ’60s Jon worked with his Grandpa Grubbs building and remodeling homes. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1962.

On January 31, 1965, Jon met his lifelong love Sandy (Schler) Benson at University of Central Missouri College. Enlisting in 1965 with the help of his future father-in-law, Joseph Schler, he joined the Missouri National Guard’s 175th Military Police. Being activated for the Kansas City riots, Jon married Sandy on June 15, 1968, and the happy couple were blessed with 3 wonderful children—Chad, Tracy, and Todd—shortly after building their first home.

Jon went on to study business at William Jewell College, graduating in 1980 and kickstarting a 40-year career at Commerce Bank that began as computer programmer and progressed to trusted project manager. Despite long days, Jon dedicated time to his family and community by proudly serving as Scoutmaster for Troop 376. A decade of attending Scout camp with his sons in Osceola, Missouri, were among his favorite memories.

With an avid interest in genealogy, Jon devoted many long hours researching the family tree—planning trips and visiting numerous cemeteries while on vacation—and meticulously organizing his research into notebooks. He also enjoyed lawn care and jigsaw puzzles, the latter stemming from his pleasant memories of completing them with his Grandma Grubbs.

Jon and Sandy traveled extensively to ensure their sons experienced all of the lower 48 states before leaving home. Retiring from Commerce Bank in 2011, they continued their sightseeing adventures, embarking on more than 25 cruises and visiting 6 world continents and all 50 states. They recently adopted a bichon-poodle mix, Maxine, who became Jon’s constant companion around the house.

Jon is survived by his wife Sandy Benson, sons Chad Benson (Elizabeth) and Todd Benson (Monica), and5 grandchildren—Juniper, Joseph, Ashby, Luke, and Thomas. He is also survived by 3 brothers—Larry Benson (Mary), Dennis Benson (Muriel), and Ron Benson (Kristy).

Jon is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and daughter Tracy.

Graveside services were held at New Hope Cemetery with Chad Benson, Todd Benson, and Joseph Benson acting as pallbearers alongside two members of the Missouri Army National Guard.

Together, Jon and Sandy worked to increase the Monarch butterfly population by raising and releasing them for their southern winter migration.

The Celebration of

butterflies in all of

your lives. Butterflies

are Love and Devotion.