Benny V. Houser was born September 28, 1931 in Hurley, Missouri to Orlie and Sarah Forester Houser and departed this life on March 14, 2021 at the age of 89.
Benny was a graduate of Hurley High School and he attended Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church, Hurley, Missouri. Benny was an airplane mechanic in the United States Navy for 20 years retiring in 1976 attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After his retirement he served in the Naval Reserves until 19814. During active-duty Benny had the following duty assignments, the USS Valley Forge, the USS Philippine Sea, the USS Bonhomme Richard, the USS Essex, Patrol Squadron 44, Fighter Squadrons 62, 92 and 102, Fleet Reconnaissance Squadron Two and Naval Station, Rota, Spain. His final duty assignment was with the Weapons Systems Test Unit of the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland.
During his service in the Navy Benny received to following commendations, the Navy Unit Citation, the Navy Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), the Naval Expeditionary Medal (2nd Award), the Korean Service Medal (3 Offensives), the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Medal (2nd Award), the China Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Commendation and Air Crewman Wings.
Benny wrote several books some were not published but four of his manuscripts were published. He enjoyed skeet shooting and was a member of the Ham Radio Club for years.
Benny is survived by his sister-in-law Charlotte Houser of Crane, Missouri, one niece, Jenifer Young (Jim) Clever, Missouri; five nephews, Tim Houser (Brenda) of Aurora, Missouri, Jody Houser (Darcy) of Rockford, Illinois, Rob Haring (Deb) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jon Haring (Jessica) of Tulsa, Joel Haring of Texas, several great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He will be mourned and missed by all that had the chance to know and love him.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Westrip Funeral Home, Crane, Missouri. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial with full Military Honors will be held in Short Cemetery, Hurley, Missouri. Services are under the care of Westrip Funeral Home, Crane, Missouri.