Michael Allen Benson

In Loving Memory of Michael Allen Benson

August 29, 1954 – October 21, 2026

Michael Allen Benson, affectionately known as “Mike,” “Benny,” or “Benson” to his family and many friends, was born on August 29, 1954, in Munich, Germany. At the age of one, Mike was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Little did anyone know at the time just how extraordinary his life would be or how many hearts this special man would touch.

Mike faced challenges throughout his life that most people could never imagine, but he never let those challenges take away his joy, his determination, or his love for others. He had a heart bigger than life itself, a smile that could brighten anyone's day, and a personality that made him unforgettable.

Mike never met a stranger. Everywhere he went, he made friends. He loved talking to people, asking about their lives, and making everyone feel important. He had an amazing memory, especially when it came to remembering people's names. His family was often amazed at how he could remember someone he hadn't seen in years. Once Mike knew you, he never forgot you.

A proud 1973 graduate of Nederland High School, Mike's love for the Nederland Bulldogs was truly special. He was employed at Nederland High school for 33 years as an assistant athletic custodian, but to those who knew him, he was so much more than an employee. He was part of the Bulldog family.

His friends and coworkers often said that Mike was as much a part of the spirit of Nederland as the beloved Bulldog statue that guards the entrance to the school. And anyone who knew Mike would agree.

He loved attending football games, cheering on the players, and being right there on the sidelines, patting them on the back and offering encouragement. He was proud of his Bulldogs, and they were proud to call him one of their own.

Sports were a huge part of Mike's life. Along with his beloved Nederland Bulldogs, he was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, and Houston Astros. One of the highlights of his life was receiving a letter from legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry proclaiming Mike the team's No. 1 fan of the year. Oh, how proud and excited he was! It was something he never forgot.

In his younger years, Mike enjoyed playing basketball and golf, and he spent many wonderful years bowling on a team. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he especially loved playing pool and spending time with friends.

Mike was a faithful member of Seventh Street Baptist Church for more than 65 years. His faith was always important to him. When he and his Mama were no longer able to attend church in person, they continued to worship together by watching services on television.

One of the greatest blessings in Mike's life was the incredible love he shared with his Mama. She devoted her life to caring for him, encouraging him, protecting him, and making sure he had every opportunity to enjoy life. They were more than mother and son; they were constant companions, best friends, and each other's world.

When his precious Mama passed away on August 6, 2026, Mike lost the person who had been by his side his entire life. It was heartbreaking for him and for the family who knew just how much they meant to one another.

When Mike moved into a nursing home, his sister Cathy worried so much about him. How would he adjust without Mama? Would he be lonely? Would he understand why everything had changed?

But once again, Mike amazed everyone.

In true Mike fashion, it wasn't long before he had made friends with everyone and become one of the most popular residents! He enjoyed playing bingo, going to the movies, attending church, and visiting with his new friends. Even during one of the most difficult times in his life, Mike found a way to embrace life and bring happiness to those around him.

That was simply who Mike was. No matter where life took him, he found friendship, laughter, and love.

Family was everything to Mike.

He dearly loved his sister, Cathy Nohavitza, and her husband, Brad, along with his brother, Lance Matthews. He adored his niece, Ashlyn Sanders, and her husband, Chris; his nephew, Landon Matthews; and his precious great-nephew and great-niece, Graham and Ellie Sanders. Mike was preceded in death by his Mother, Ruby Matthews and Stepfather, William Matthews.

Mike especially loved FaceTiming with Ashlyn, Chris, Graham, and Ellie, who lived out of state. Those calls meant the world to him. His face would light up when he could see them and hear their voices. It didn't matter how many miles separated them; Mike always made sure his family knew how much he loved them.

To his sister Cathy, Mike was so much more than a brother. He was someone she loved fiercely, worried about, looked after, laughed with, and cherished with all her heart. She was so proud of the man he was and the way he touched so many lives.

Some of her sweetest memories will always be the simple moments they shared. Mike loved when Cathy cooked and brought meals to him and their Mama. He was always excited to see what she had made, but especially excited if she brought dessert! Those little visits, shared meals, and happy conversations became precious memories that Cathy will hold close to her heart forever.

Mike enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He loved watching game shows and his favorite Western, Gunsmoke. He loved good food, sports, spending time with family, and visiting with friends. He was grateful for everything anyone did for him and never took an act of kindness for granted.

But perhaps the greatest lesson Mike taught everyone was how to love people.

He once said:

“I want to be good to everybody, even the ones who don't understand me.”

Those words say more about Mike than anything else ever could.

He knew what it was like to face challenges. He knew what it was like to be different. Yet he never allowed those experiences to make him bitter or unkind. Instead, he chose to love people, accept them, and treat everyone with kindness.

Mike didn't need grand things to make him happy. A football game, a friendly conversation, a home-cooked meal, a phone call from family, or simply someone taking the time to say hello could make his entire day.

And without even realizing it, he taught the rest of us something so important:

Life isn't about what you cannot do. It's about making the most of what you can do, loving people with your whole heart, and finding joy in the smallest things.

Mike lived that lesson every single day.

His family will forever be grateful for the people of Nederland, his coworkers, his church family, his friends, and everyone who showed him love and kindness throughout his life. You helped make his world a beautiful place, and he loved each of you in return.

For Cathy, losing her precious brother so soon after losing their mother is a heartache that words cannot begin to describe. Mike wasn't just her brother; he was a part of her heart, someone she loved, protected, worried about, and was so incredibly proud of. She will forever treasure his smile, his laughter, his excitement over the simplest things, and the unconditional love he gave so freely.

But through the sadness comes one beautiful thought that brings comfort and peace.

Mike is finally back with his Mama.

The Mama who loved him, cared for him, and stood by his side his entire life. The Mama he missed so terribly after she was gone. Cathy can only imagine the joy on Mike's face when he saw her again, and the happiness of his Mama welcoming her boy home.

No more struggles, no more limitations, no more missing Mama. Just the two of them together again, wrapped in God's eternal love.

Mike, being your sister was one of the greatest blessings of my life. I hope you always knew just how much I loved you and how very proud I was of you. You taught me so much about kindness, courage, and loving people just as they are. I will miss you more than words could ever say.

Give Mama the biggest hug and kiss for me. I know how much you've missed her. Take care of each other until the day we're all together again. I will carry you both in my heart forever.

Rest easy, my sweet brother. Your work here is done, and you did it beautifully.

Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.

Forever loved, forever missed, and forever our Benny. ❤️

I hope this gives everyone who reads it a chance to know the special man you knew and loved. Mike's life was full of love, and that comes through in his story.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Humane Society of Southeast Texas.

The visitation will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.