John R. “J.R.” Benson Sr., 88, formerly of Wesleyville and Erie, died Saturday at St. Mary's Home at Asbury Ridge, Erie.

John was the father of the Rev. Joel A. Benson, pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Butler.

BENSON — Visitation for John R. “J.R.” Benson Sr., who died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St., Erie.A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Luther Memorial Church, 255 W. 10th St. Erie. The Rev. William Coleman and the Rev. Joel Benson, son of J.R., will be co-officiating. Burial will be at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery with full military honors.Anyone interested in carpooling to the funeral home or funeral, please call the church office at 724-287-1977.Memorials may be made to Bethany Outreach Center, 254 E. 10th St., Erie, PA 16503.