Robert R. "Bob" Benson

Robert R. "Bob" Benson, 89, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2016, at Windsor Place Nursing Center in Iola. Robert was born November 8, 1926, in Blue Mound, Kansas, the son of Ralph and Alleen (Curran) Benson. He grew up in Blue Mound and graduated from Blue Mound High School. He served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. On April 20, 1956, Bob married Zeretha A. "DeDe" (Hart) Beaman. She preceded him in death August 1, 1981. He was a machinist and welder in Blue Mound and later worked for Nelson Brothers. He purchased Iola Marine Company from Elmer Earl and acquired the Honda franchise in 1964. The shop evolved into Iola Motorcyles, Inc. In 1999, he moved the shop to New Strawn. In 2010, he sold the shop and retired. Robert enjoyed working in his home shop designing and building mechanical equipment and woodworking. He raced Go-Karts and then motorcycles into his mid fifties. He was also known for modifying engines for these machines. Survivors include 2 step-sons: Riley Beaman of Iola and Cecil Beaman & wife, Sandy of Belle Plaine, KS; 2 grandchildren, Annette Simpson & husband, Larry of Belle Plaine, KS, and Randy Beaman & wife, Sandi of Haysville, KS; 2 great grandsons, Alex and Zach Beaman; and 2 nephews, Franz DeKlotz and family of Rancho Mirage, CA and Karl DeKlotz and family of Fresno, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his sister, Lila DeKlotz. Visitation will be 7:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016 before leaving for the LaHarpe Cemetery for graveside services at 2:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to either Wings of Warriors Cancer Foundation of Allen County or ACARF (Allen County Animal Rescue Facility) and may be left with the funeral home. Go to www.iolafuneral.com to leave a condolence online.