Roll Call Tribute

Kyle J. Benson

August 7, 1962 - August 7, 2022

Kyle Joseph Benson, beloved husband and father, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 7, 2022.

Kyle was born in Longview, Texas to Letty Liverman Benson and John David Benson. Growing up, he was active in Boy Scouts and received an Eagle Scout Award while in high school. He graduated from Longview High School in 1980 and attended Texas A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics in 1984.

Kyle married Mary Carroll O’Hare in 1986; and they had one daughter, Caroline

Kyle began his career with Safeway, Inc. and worked for them for three years before entering the world of wholesale pharmaceutical distribution. He has spent the last 34 years in the industry. His most recent position was with Cardinal Health. Kyle enjoyed building relationships with his customers and teammates. According to his co-workers, “Kyle made a large and successful effort to be a consistent mentor and resource to the younger generations inside and outside of his career. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience but was also open to learning new and different ways. He was always a light and safe place so many of us needed.”

Kyle had a servant’s heart and over the years, he gave his time to numerous charitable organizations to help the community. Some of the organizations included Big Brothers & Big Sisters (Houston), Houston Food Bank (where he spearheaded his local work team’s volunteerism and was also involved in backpack deliveries to HISD schools), DEA Citizen’s Academy (received an award for the Most Intelligent Citizen and volunteered for the Teen Academy), Katy ISD – volunteered at every level of school (Mentoring, Junior Achievement, officiating UIL swim meets, Bond Committees), American Cancer Society – relay for life (in memory of his brother), Walk for Alzheimer’s and more.

He was always a proponent for giving back to the community and recently received The Community Impact Award from Cardinal Health.

Kyle enjoyed sports, gardening, cooking, travel, antiques, water aerobics with his “group” at Lifetime Fitness and hanging out with Chimy (Caroline’s border collie). He liked going to A&M for games, events and walking the campus. At work, he was known as ‘Everyone’s Favorite Aggie’ and loved the rivalry between other co-workers’ schools.

“To know Kyle was to love him – his heart was BIG and he was loved big in return. Kyle unintentionally made everyone around him better. He was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor that was always on display.”

Kyle will always be remembered as a loving husband, dedicated father, special friend to many and a trusted business partner. Every person he met readily saw his humor, kindness and love of life.

Kyle is survived by Mary Carroll, his wife of 36 years; daughter, Caroline Stewart Benson of Dallas; future son-in-law, Andrew Spraberry of Dallas; brother, Brian Benson of Dallas; sister-in-law, Tanya Benson of Dallas; and cousin, Bill Black of New York City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David James Benson.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church (20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77450) at one o’clock in the afternoon on August 26th, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Houston Food Bank, American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.