John Counler Benson, 77, of Charlottesville, died Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Born in Mortongrove, Illinois on May 29, 1942, he was the son of Evelyn Coulter and John Albin Benson. He was educated at Knox College and later moved to South Florida where he met and married the love of his life, Consuelo Mereceds Santos, in 1973.

Consuelo and John raised a family in Miami, Florida and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia in 1977.

John was an avid reader, fierce NRA supporter, and champion of personal and religious freedom.

He is survived by his sister, Roberta, and his five children, Berta, Clara, John, Jessica and Samantha.

A memorial service is being planned for later in Miami, Florida.