- Adweek Staff

NEW YORK Retired advertising and media research executive William Benz died on April 28. He was 80.

Benz served as vp, gm of the St. Louis office of the Busch Media Group, the in-house agency for Anheuser-Busch, from 1985 until his retirement in 1991. Prior to that, he served as svp, media information and research at advertising shop DMB&B, St. Louis, and he also worked for the Associated Brewing Co. throughout the Midwest. During his career, he was active in and received many honors from the industry groups like the 4A's, ARF and MRC of Chicago.

He received the honorary commission of Kentucky Colonel from the Governor of Kentucky in 1963.

He leaves his wife Nancy Benz; a son, Stephen Benz, M.D.; and a daughter Jane Ryan.

Contributions may be made to Ursuline Academy Art Department, 341 S. Sappington Rd., Kirkwood, Mo. 63122. (Friends may sign the online register book at www.gerberchapel.com.)