HOWARD KELLEY BENSON, age 99, a resident of Sikeston and formerly of East Prairie, died Monday, November 23, 2020, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 28, 1921, at Hickman, KY, to the late James Cosby Benson and Nancy Beulah Kelley Benson.   He grew up on the No. 7 Island in rural Mississippi County and following his graduation from high school he joined the U.S. Army, having served in World War II.   A man of integrity and a strong work ethic, he went to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and later became employed with Woodson Grain Company and with Norman Day at East Prairie until he purchased the company and founded Mississippi County Grain, which he owned until his retirement.  He was also an integral part of grain operations at Birds Point with E. Lindsay Brown.   Later he lived in Okeechobee, FL during his retirement throughout the year where he enjoyed life as a fisherman.

He was married to Imogene Wagoner, who survives of the home in Sikeston.

Also surviving are his daughters, Nancy Gamble and Mary Moore both of East Prairie; his step daughter, Deborah Hodges of Sikeston; his grandchildren, Keith, Necie and Emily; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Also, a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Weeks; his brothers, Byron, Paul, Herman and Ed and his sisters Onie and Chrystal.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 28, 2020, at the East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery at East Prairie.  Martin Lucas, will officiate.

Interment with military honors will follow under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com .