Youngstown- Benford Gipson, a military veteran and dedicated family man, peacefully passed away on February 5, 2024, at The VA Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Born on November 24, 1936, in Hazard, Kentucky, Benford was the third of 4 children born to Isaac 'Ike' Gipson and Iona Hogg Gipson. The family migrated north in the 1950’s and settled in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Benford's career journey began when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a teenager and after 2 years he transferred to the U.S. Army on January 14, 1954. He proudly served his country, retiring after 22 years of service with an honorable discharge on December 31, 1974. Benford's commitment and bravery were evident as he carried out his duties in Japan, Germany and during his deployment in the Vietnam War (1968-1970), attaining the rank of Sgt. First Class and was a decorated Vietnam Veteran.

In 1958 Benford had returned to his hometown East Liverpool, Ohio and married his childhood love Clara Richardson. There were four sons and one daughter born to their union. After years of travelling and relocating with his wife and children, living in Alaska, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio, Benford and Clara along and their five children settled in Youngtown, Ohio after he retired. He embarked on a new career in the steel industry, serving as a Shift Foreman at Columbiana Iron & Metal until his ultimate retirement from the work force.

Benford was devoted to his family and was always close and in touch with his parents, siblings and other family members as well. After the passing of his wife Clara, Benford made his home with his daughter who cared for him throughout the years of his failing health until the day he passed away.

He was a beloved father to his daughter Carla D. Gipson and his two sons Richard K. Gipson and Russell A. Gipson Sr., all of Youngstown, Ohio, who he leaves to cherish his memory. He was also the proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, a loving Uncle to a host of nieces and nephews who adored him. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Sadly, Benford was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Clara L. Richardson Gipson and two sons, Kevin H. Gipson and Benny E. Gipson. He also mourned the loss of his parents, Ike and Iona Gipson and his siblings, Haze Gipson (brother), Leola Gipson Bailey (sister), and William Gipson (brother) and all of his in-laws and two nephews.

As we come together to celebrate and remember the life of Sgt. First Class Benford Gipson, let us hold dear his unwavering spirit, his admirable service, and the incredible legacy he leaves behind. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory forever be a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In honor of Benford's remarkable life a public viewing will be held on February 16, 2024, at The Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown at 10am, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11am, officiated by Bishop William Burney, Jr and eulogist Pastor William “Guy” Buney III.

Benford’s final resting place will be adjacent to Clara, his bride and soul mate, within Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505, where the services will conclude with a committal ceremony and military honors recognition.

The children of Mr. Benford elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort and After-Care Arrangements to J.E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave, Youngstown, OH, 330-782-8500.

A Debt of Gratitude
by Catherine Pulsifer

We can never feel what they felt
With guns in their hands as they knelt
They lived the horrors of war
So all would have peace once more.

We can only imagine the feelings they had
Fighting for freedom, many a young lad
We owe them so much, we owe them an honor
As fighting in a war is the worse kind of monster.

So may we never forget, and teach our children too
The debt of gratitude to those who fought, for me and you
Lest we forget, we never will
The men and women who fought and those who were killed.

We stop, we remember, and we give thanks
For men and women in the ranks
A debt of gratitude we owe
May it always show.