Leonard Clifton Benson

(September 18, 1934-May 26, 2026)

Leonard C. Benson, 91, passed away May 26,2026, at Pine Hills Retirement Community in Hot Springs, S.D.

Leonard was born, September 18, 1934, in Hot Springs, South Dakota to Williard and Lucy Benson of Smithwick, S.D. He grew up on the ranch with his sister Clara, brother’s Verel and Warren (Butch). He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1953. After graduation he joined the Air Force and married his high school sweetheart Kay Thompson. While stationed in Naselle, Washington, his son Kurt was born, 2 years later Kent was born in Oregon. After serving 4 years, he moved back to Oral, S.D. to start a farming operation. Daughter Kristy and son Klay were born while on the farm. After a severe drought, he decided to enter the field of computers. So, in January of 1965, moved to Omaha, Nebraska for training. He worked in the age of room-sized computers, setting up accounting systems for several companies. Designing payroll programs for as many as 10,000 employees. Moved as far away as Merrillville, Indiana to set up a hospital system handling over 12,000 accounts and over 200,000 patients. Eventually moving back to Rapid City, S.D. in 1972, working with Brown Swiss Dairy for several years.

In the late 1970’s, He and Kay returned to her parent’s ranch and built and operated a profitable ranching operation for many years. During that time, he was a major player involved in creating the Fall River Water District system. He worked with Senators and Congressman to establish a rural water program to help ranchers and farmers in Fall River County.

Leonard retired from ranching in 2012. He and Kay enjoyed many years traveling the country with Daisy (dog) and later Miss Kitty (cat) in their RV. Enjoyed an Alaskan Cruise along with a Canadian Tour. His final years were spent, keeping up the yard, gardening, (he loved sweetcorn) while watching the calves every winter and spring around the home place. He also made sure that the deer, pheasants, rabbits, and other local critters were fed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Williard & Lucy Benson, sister Clara, and brother Warren (Butch).

Leonard is survived by his wife Kay, brother Verel, daughter Kristy, and son’s Kurt, Kent, and Klay, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leonard will be remembered as a great husband, rancher, or more likely as a dad, who tried to inspire a love for his fellow man. He will be missed by all.

Leonard helped with the mowing of the Smithwick Cemetery for many years. He would like Memorial Contributions sent to the Smithwick Cemetery, groundskeeping fund. P.O. Box 67, Smithwick, S.D. 57782.

Committal service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Smithwick Cemetery near Smithwick, SD.

There will be a luncheon directly after the graveside services at 27776 Ash Rd… (That’s Virginia Thompson’s old house). Please stop in…