Joseph Dalton Benson

Joseph Dalton Benson (93) passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Beaver Valley Long Term Care surrounded by his family. Joe was born July 2. 1931 in Parowan, Utah to Florence and Edgar Benson. He was the youngest of eight children: Pearl, Ora, Iva, Kathleen, Leon, Utahna and Bonnie. Joe loved his hometown and the people there. Joe learned to work hard at an early age. At the age of five he tried his hand at milking cows and did so well (14 cups from one cow) he got his own bucket to milk in as a reward. From then on he fulfilled his responsibility of working alongside his dad on the farm and helping tend the sheep herd at age 10. Joe attended Parowan High School where he was involved in FFA, Football and Basketball. It was there he met his sweetheart, Gaytha Lamoreaux Benson. They were married on June 30, 1950 in the St. George Temple. Together they raised four children: GayLynn, Katy, Julie and Joey. The Bensons made their home in Parowan, Utah until they moved to Beaver in 1961. Joe was assigned to Beaver as a Utah Highway Patrolman and the couple decided to make the move and live in Beaver for “just a couple years” with the intent of moving back to Parowan. 64 years later, they still call Beaver their home. Joe and Gaytha worked side by side on the farm and later as they owned and ran the DeLano Motel together. Dad loved gardening and together with Gaytha, raised a beautiful vegetable garden each year. He was an avid hunter, harvesting his first mountain lion at the age of 11 and filling his last deer tag at 88. Dad loved the mountains, hunting fishing, hiking and the family cabin. He instilled a love of nature in all of us. He helped us recognize and appreciate God’s creations. He loved sunsets, starry nights and the views from his favorite hunting spots. Joe served as a Utah Highway Patrolman for 27 years. In that time, he gave many “the only speeding ticket they ever received in their lifetime”. He served the community unselfishly. Many years being on call 24/7. He loved the communities he served and the officers he served with. Dad’s retirement years were spent with his buddies at his side. Fishing trips with the grandkids, road trips with his sweetheart and relaxing at the family cabin often with a chipmunk eating out of his hand. He looked out for his neighbors and friends. He served silently, seeing a need and quietly addressing it. Joe is survived by his children, Katy (James) Robinson, Beaver UT; Julie (Destry) Labrum, South Ogden, UT; and Joe (Esther) Benson, Beaver UT; and Brother in Law, Duane (Sonya) Lamoreaux. He is grandpa to 12 and Great Grandpa to 18. Joe is preceded in death by his sweetheart Gaytha Lamoreaux; Daughter, GayLynn Starr. Parents, Edgar and Florence Benson. Sisters, Pearl Benson, Ora Davis, Iva Shook, Kathleen Rose, Utahna Orton, Bonnie Lavotti and brother Leon Benson. The family would like to thank the Nurses and Aides and staff at Beaver Valley Long Term Care as well as the Doctor, Nurses and Aides at Beaver Valley Hospital for the loving care and friendship. In lieu of flowers the family requests donating to Beaver Valley Long Term Care or simply holding your loved ones close and making memories. A funeral will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Viewing will be held that morning from 11:00 to 12:30 at the Beaver Third Ward Chapel, 220 North Main, Beaver, Utah. Interment will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery. Services are available live stream via Zoom at ___________________

Joseph Dalton Benson

July 2, 1931 - May 5, 2025