Brigadier General Douglass Steele Benham
General Douglass Steele Benham
Brigadier General Douglass Steele Benham, 95, beloved Husband, Father, Bapa and Great Bapa passed away May 1, 2018 in Bellevue, WA.
He was preceded in Death by his son Brian. Doug is survived by his wife of 66 years, Scottie; his daughter Diane (Tripp) Benham Hook, Granddaughters Heather (Chris) Hook Fabregas and Holly (Matt) Hook Harlow; Great Grandchildren Hudson Fabregas, Everett Harlow, Hayden Fabregas and George Harlow.
Doug was born April 20, 1923 in Orchard Gardens, MN to Clara and Rich Benham. He was the youngest of 6 children.
He attended Marshall High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota.
During his 40 year Military career, he served in WWII, Korea (100 Missions), Berlin 
Crisis and Vietnam. He was a fighter pilot for 17 years and a transport pilot for 23 years. He was selected to represent 26 ANG Airlift Organizations to participate in a National Guard Bureau “Think Tank” – Doolittle Committee. He was President of the Minnesota National Guard Association, Wing Composite Commander of Active Duty (USAF), Reserve and ANG Personal/Solid Shield 76.
Doug loved to fly, travel, golf, bowl, read and write letters.
His first love was his family followed closely by the Minnesota Air National Guard and friends.
A memorial mass will be held July 6, 2018 at Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel, 1 Tower Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55450 (DIRECTIONS) at 9:30 AM and interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Reception will follow at Pool and Yacht Club, 1600 Lilydale Road, Lilydale, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Air National Guard Museum, 670 General Miller Drive, Building 670, St. Paul, MN 55111 or a charity of your choice.
6 Responses to “Brigadier General Douglass Steele Benham”
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Doug was very kind and caring to everyone. He was devoted to his Family and loved being with his Granddaughters and their babies.
What a wonderful heritage this brave and determined man left for those children and adults who live in a different era. Maybe God let him live this long so many would know and remember him when they are old enough to understand.
Doug was a kind and generous man. He and Scottie raised two wonderful children to be kind and generous. I am glad I am able to know this wonderful family. I am so sad for your loss.
My Uncle Doug was the youngest of six Minnesota born children. My father, Clyde, the eldest. Doug became my hero as long ago as 1953. I have always loved airplanes, Doug got to fly them. Early remembrances of Doug and Scottie include them taking my sister Dorita and I to the beach for the day in California, to give the folks a break. The memories are deep. The love, always in heart.
Although I only met Doug a few times, I thought he was one of the most lovely gentlemen I have ever met. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and friends during this difficult time.
“Captain” Benham and I flew together many times, back in the 50s. He was a good person.