Benton, Larry – 1931–2011

BENTON, DE PENNING, JOHNSON, LIBBY, PEYTON

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 4/26/2011 at 13:01:17

Larry Benton: Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend.
To know Larry was to know a man of immense wisdom, with a heart of gold. Born Sept. 18, 1931, to John Benton and Naomi Peyton (during his childhood, he was especially close to his grandparents, Herbert and Elizabeth (Libby) Johnson), Larry had a natural mechanical aptitude, and he could fix almost anything.
On Dec. 24, 1951, he married Marjorie DePenning. Their long and happy marriage of 59 years was an inspiration to their family. Larry was father to three sons: Dave (Debbie), White Lake, Wis.; Dean (Cindy), Minneapolis, Minn.; and Don of Chengdu, China. He was also a proud grandfather to three grandsons: Keith, Chad, and Merritt. All these young men learned many lessons from Larry as they worked on cars. They have special memories of the projects they worked on together.
Larry served his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He retired after working many years at the Maytag Company in Newton, Iowa. He would share his extraordinary knowledge of the company with anyone who showed an interest. He’ll be remembered as a Maytag historian; and as a benefactor of, and advocate for, the Jasper County Historical Museum.
Even in his final illness, he was so brave, kind and loving. He taught us how to face outrageous odds with determination and courage. There will never be words enough to describe the wonderful man who has been lost to us for now, but our memories of him — and the way he lived his life — will live on forever.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at the Monroe United Presbyterian Church from 2 to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, at the Monroe United Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.
Memorials may be given in Larry’s name to the Monroe United Presbyterian Church, Monroe Volunteer Ambulance Service or the Jasper County Historical Museum.
Source: Newton Daily News; Monday, April 18, 2011