David's Parents were John Bennion and Esther Birch.
STAKE LEADER PASES AWAY WED.
If "Death leaves a shining mark" the grim reaper had supreme satisfaction in the passing of the stalwart faithful spirit of David Bennion clerk and patriarch of the Star Valley Stake.
Mr Bennion succumbed December 1st to a chronic heart affliction after an illness extending over a period of more than two years. An illness punctuated by days of intense suffering during which no murmur of discontent passed his lips. His great faith in the wisdom of a Wise Father, who in mercy doeth all things well, seemed to sustain him always, and whenever his health permitted he attended his meetings and when opportunity presented itself he would lift his voice in testimony of the truth contained in the principles of the gospel.
As a man loyal from the depth of his being to his beloved Church, Mr Bennion had no peer. It was as if his faith shielded him with an invisible Armour and rendered him invincible to the errors to which mankind is subject. His life and teachings were an inspiration to all who knew him and silently, now, beckons to those who come after, to follow his example.
Mr Bennion was born February 1st 1865 at Vernon, Tooele county, Utah. The son of John and Ester Ann Birch Bennion.
True to the teachings and traditions of his forebears, Mr Bennion availed himself of all the educational advantages the stat afforded attending the U of U, then the University of Deseret. As a vocation during his youthful years he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. Later he became identified with the Uintah Canning Co. then the mercantile business and was a cashier in the bank at Vernal, Utah. In 1914 he was appointed postmaster of Vernal, which position he held for 5 years.
In 1919 he was offered the position of cashier in the Roosevelt Bank at Roosevelt, Utah. In `922 the Bennion family came to Afton and from 1923 to 1929 Mr Bennion was cashier of the Bank of Freedom and later the Afton State Bank. In all of these positions he distinguished himself as a man of honor and integrity.
His ecclesiastical activities extended throughout his life and his years of service were characterized by devotion to duty and his love for his church wherein he occupied many responsible positions. He filled an honorable mission for his church in the southern states. Upon his arrival at Vernal Utah he was made ward clerk then variously Asst. Superintendent of the stake Sunday School, then Ass. Superintendent of the Stake M.I.A. and then Superintendent. Later he became a member of the High Council and then Bishop of the Vernal Second ward and in 1910 was chosen as first counselor to president Don B. Colton of the Uintah Stake. While he was first counselor he was ordained a patriarch in which capacity he has served in the Uintah Ducheane and Star Valley Stake and under his hands many of the youth of Zion have received the inspiration that will guide them thru life.
Upon his arrival in Roosevelt ward, and on the creation of the Roosevelt Second ward he was selected as Bishop of that ward, which position he held until his departure.
In 1926 he was made Clerk of the Star Valley Stake and this position he held at the time of his death.
Mr Bennion was married to Clara Pehrson, February 19th 1891 in the Logan Temple. To this union were born seven children, six of whom survive together with his wife. They are: Merrill Bennion of Salt Lake City, Gladys B. Gardner, June B Swenson, Edna B. Harvey and Stapley Bennion all of Afton and Clara B. Thompson of Price, Utah and 24 grandchildren.
The sympathy of a host of friends is extended to the bereaved loved ones with the hope that when the time has healed their grief that the memory of his righteous teachings and splendid example may ever sustain them for he was one who because he lived has made the world better, and his friends honor and revere him for his unimpeachable integrity and faithfulness and his joy of service.
Funeral Services will be held at One o'clock Friday in the stake Tabernacle. Interment will be in the Afton Cemetery.

Bennion, David (i 2 Dec 1937)Star Valley Independent