Dennis "Denny" McLean Benson

Dennis “Denny” McLean Benson, 85, of Harlan, Indiana, gently passed away on November 29, 2025. Born in Bluffton, Indiana, he was the son of Joseph McLean “Mac” Benson and Naomi Lenore “Peg” (Young) Benson.

In September 2011, Mary (Schindler) met Denny while he was proudly sporting a kilt and an even bigger personality, celebrating his Scottish heritage. From that very moment, their connection was instant—effortless, joyful, and as full of mischief as two sixteen-year-olds in love. They married on February 14, 2012, because of course the man was a romantic.

During his senior year of high school, Denny joined Star Lites, a regional musical hit group, collecting awards and applause wherever he went. Music remained a lifelong passion; whether performing in productions, singing for family, friends, church, or just turning everyday moments into a soundtrack, Denny made life a little more melodic for everyone around him. He earned his doctorate in education from Ball State University and was a Life Loyal Sig, sponsored by the national fraternity Sigma Chi.

Denny’s career spanned many fields, but his “retirement” may have been his most impressive feat: simultaneously working for the Tin Caps, NAPA, and The Embassy. How he managed it is still a mystery; cloning has been suggested.

He traveled to all fifty U.S. states, seventeen countries, and even circumnavigated the globe. But first and foremost Denny was a servant of Jesus Christ. He was a natural leader, a servant to others, a speaker, a singer, and an entertainer who always left an audience smiling.

Denny is survived by his wife, Mary Benson, his sister, Rebecca “Becky” (Burt) Mawhorter; sister in law, Margaret Powell, and his children Barry (Lisa) Benson, Shawna (Steve) Shane, Molly (Tim) Angsten, Ed (Sandy) Yoder, Deb (John) Adams, and Tammie (John) Schenkel.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Austin Benson; Savannah (Zach) Labie; Kayleigh (Zach) Land; Brandon (Anna) Shane; Jordan (Bridgette) Shane, Keaton (Stevie) Shane, Libby Primeau; Alesha (Seth) Emmert; Max Angsten; Kelsey (Matt) Ostroski; Josh Yoder; John (Kasandra) Adams, Dawn (Dan) Hedges, Mitchell Schenkel; James Schenkel; Maria Schenkel; Emilia Schenkel;

His great-grandchildren include: Wrenly Labie, Elowyn Labie, Malachi Labie, Haddie Labie, Bella Labie, Kezi Labie, McKinley Land, Madilyn Land, Maddex Land, Lydia Shane, Carson Shane, Myah Shane, Ember Emmert, Ash Emmert, Christopher Adams, Shaun Collins, Kala Hedges, Jonathan Ostroski, and Elizabeth Ostroski.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 12:00pm with calling one hour prior from 11:00am-12:00pm at at Woodburn Missionary Church, 5108 Bulls Rapid Road, Woodburn, IN 46797. If it involves music—and it surely will—Denny will be smiling from the front row.

Arrangements entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.