Pittsburgh Press. March 23, 1977
Paul G. Benedum, internationally known independent oil producer and resident of the Pittsburgh-based Benedum-Trees Oil Co., died yesterday at his winter home in Nales, Fa.
Humanitarian and philanthropist, Mr. Benedum, 76, of Rector, near Ligonier in Westmoreland County, was one of the first directors of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and succeeded his uncle, Michael Benedum as its president in 1959.
During a 50-year career, he was chief executive officer of a number of other oil companies, including Plymouth Oil Co., Hiawatha Oil & Gas Co., Penn-Ohio Gas Co. and Bentix Oil Corp, which he founded in 1936.
During World War II he was a liertenant colonel with the Army Air Corps. He was chief of the facilities and production section of the Aviation Petroleum Branch, and in 1946, was awarded the Legion of Merit by the War Department.
He was a founder and until his death a director and national treasurer of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Active in the Boy Scout movement for more than 40 years, he served on the boards of councils in Houston and Pittsburgh.
He was an honorary member of the National Council of the boy Scouts which awarded him the “Silver buffalo,” scoutings highest distinction.
A native of Cameron, W. Va., Mr. Benedum was given the State of West Virginia Award by Gov. Arch Moore in 1969.
Through his personal charities and those of the Benedum Foundation, millions of dollars have gone to education, the arts, youth organiations and the medical field in West Virginia.
Graduated by Ohio State University, he received honorary degrees from three colleges in West Virginia as well as Waynesburg College, Springfield Ccollege, Capital University and Ohio State.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. tomorrow in Naples.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at H. Samson Inc., 537 N. Neville St. Oakland.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church at Centre and South Aiken Avenues.
Burial will be in Homewood Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kansas City, Mo., or the Boy Scouts of America.