Tom Benson and his first wife, Shirley Mae Landry, have a son, Robert Carter Benson, born September 1, 1948. Despite being a member of one of New Orleans’ most renowned families, his life was distinguished by both familial ties and personal challenges, including a fight with illness that resulted in his early death at age 37 in 1986.
Early Life and Family
Tom Benson and Shirley Landry adopted Robert Carter Benson after they married in 1945. He was the eldest of their three adopted children, who included Jeanne Marie “Tootsie” Benson and Renee LeBlanc. Tom and Shirley had a blended family, and the Bensons were considered to be a close-knit group in the early years.
Shirley died from lupus complications in 1980, leaving Tom Benson to raise the three children on his own. Despite the tragedy, the family persevered, and Tom eventually became a prominent businessman and sports franchise owner.
Family Dispute and Its Impact
Although Robert Carter Benson’s life was overshadowed by his early death, his biography is intertwined with the greater saga of the Benson family. After Tom Benson remarried in 1982 to Grace Marie Trudeau, and again to Gayle Benson in 2004, there were major family disagreements over the family estate.
One of the most contentious parts of Tom Benson’s legacy was the omission of his daughter Renee and his grandkids from his will. This sparked public debate about the bequest, with many speculated on Tom’s intentions for leaving much of his riches, including ownership of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, to his wife Gayle Benson.
Dawn Benson Jones, Robert’s daughter, talked openly about the family problems, mentioning how her father’s premature death had left a pall over the family. It was apparent that Robert’s legacy will be felt in the ongoing legal and financial disputes following Tom Benson’s death in 2018.
Robert’s Enduring Legacy
Though Robert Carter Benson’s life was brief, his influence continues on, particularly via humanitarian initiatives started by his father. Tom Benson created an endowment fund in Robert’s memory at San Antonio’s Central Catholic High School. The fund continues to support the school’s efforts, demonstrating Robert’s long-term effect on his father.
Furthermore, Robert’s memory is kept via the Benson family’s active participation in New Orleans athletics. Tom Benson’s ownership of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans heralded a new era for both clubs, with the Saints winning their first Super Bowl under his guidance in 2010.
The Benson Family Saga
The Benson family’s history has been defined by both victory and turmoil. While Tom Benson’s enterprises grew, personal family connections deteriorated, particularly following the death of Robert Carter Benson. The Benson family’s disagreements over Tom Benson’s estate and the future of the sports clubs he controlled received extensive media coverage, highlighting the family’s complicated relationships.
Following Robert Carter Benson’s death, the Benson family faced further public scrutiny. The court struggles over Tom’s will added another layer of complication to the family’s story, prompting some to wonder if Robert’s death left unsolved difficulties within the family.
Conclusion
Robert Carter Benson’s life and legacy highlight the fragility of family connections, even in the face of enormous riches and public prominence. While his personal battle with illness was heartbreaking, his place in the Benson family and effect on the community are still substantial. Robert Carter Benson’s memory lives on via the endowment fund named after him and the continuous attention paid to the Benson family’s narrative, reminding us of the lasting value of family, legacy, and the complex ties that define it.
