Earl "Ross" Benson passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Baytown, Texas at the age of 75. Ross was born Saturday, July 23, 1949 in Houston, Texas to Lamar and Dorthea (Tyner) Benson.

Ross grew up in San Leon, Texas and was a Texan through and through.  He adored both his parents but had a special love for his Mama and told endless stories of their summer trips to Georgia to visit her family and loved to reminisce about Uncle "Tink". While reflecting about growing up, he often spoke about missing his Dad just as much.

Ross married Chrystal Gail Minton on August 24, 2007 in Harris County, TX. They were married 18 years and together, they were a force to be reckoned with. They seemed to bring out the best in each other and had a special love and admiration towards one another.

Ross loved working on and building cars. His favorite was "Scorpio". Scorpio was photographed with the front wheels coming off the ground! Ross also loved motorcycles.  His first love was "Endless Affair" which was a 1955 Ocean. Then along came his Harley, "Sweetie". Although he would have several bikes, "Sweetie" was his favorite.

Ross founded Benson Pipeline Maintenance Inc. He was extremely proud of this and worked his company from dawn to dusk with his son Christopher along side of him making this a success. He referred to his company as "His legacy". He felt if there was something "Impossible" to be repaired or built, that was exactly the job he wanted.

Ross was one of the Founding Fathers of the Lighthouse Charity Team and was also a team member of the Cole Gordon Helping Hands Foundation.  He started the "Benson Smoking Hoes" BBQ Team and not only participated, but also contributed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  He was a master woodcarver and crafted a monument to the four firefighters that died in the Houston Warehouse Fire. This memorial monument is displayed at the Firehouse Training Facility in Houston, TX. Ross was always ready to help others when the need arose, whether it was providing equipment, manpower, monetary assistance, etc. He was always ready and willing!  This selflessness didn't go unnoticed as Ross was awarded the Friendswood Volunteer Firefighters Award and in 2021, he received the Cole Gordon Citizen of the Year Award. He was so proud and honored to have received these awards. Another source of great pride was his 477-acre ranch that he owned in West Texas.

Ross is preceded in death by his grandparents Benjamin & Lessie Benson, grandparents James and Elizabeth Tyner, parents Lamar and Dorthea Benson, stepbrother Bobby Benson, son Shane Benson and granddaughter Lorelei Young.

Ross leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Chrystal Benson, son Christopher Benson and wife Amber, daughter Jennifer Pulgini, stepdaughter Chrystal Johnson and husband Jeremiah, stepson Michael Gregory and wife Crystal, grandchildren; Christian Johnson, Madelyn Benson, Morgan Benson, Tylor Glidewell, Dominick Neely, Sophia Gregory, Morgan Gregory, Anthony Smith, Connor Smith, Cole Smith, eleven great-grandchildren and several extended family members and friends.

Ross was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a tremendous friend to everyone who was fortunate enough to have met him.

Earl Ross Benson was larger than life. He always rose to meet every challenge life would throw at him. He did this with courage and determination. He courageously fought cancer for 30 years and achieved remission. After so many years of cancer treatment, his last challenge of Amyloidosis proved to be too much for his body to conquer. He fought this disease hard and refused to give up, but it was finally the time for him and his body to rest.

Rest in peace Ross.  It's time to pass the torch.