Benge was born at Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas to Benge and Irene Elliott on September 21st, 1947. He went to school at San Marcos High School where he was a trainer for the State Finalist Football team. He married Beverley Elliott on August 9th, 1967 in San Marcos, TX.

After High School, Benge attended Kemper Military School in the first stop of many on his way back to San Marcos.