Obituary of Colonel Jack Benton

Colonel Jack Wilburn Benton passed away on January 18, 2007, in Olathe, KS. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Amber Mitchener Benton and his three children and their spouses; Mark T. Benton and his wife, Diane Benton, Overland Park, KS., Eric R. Benton and his wife Lisa M. Benton, Houston, TX. and April Dougherty and her husband Michael Dougherty, Burke VA. In addition, Colonel Benton is survived by seven grandchildren; Jon Benton, Austin Benton, Dustin Benton, Ashley Benton, Kati Benton, Autumn Dougherty and Connor Dougherty. He also is survived by his sister, Helen Birdsong, and her husband Ray Birdsong, Willow Springs, MO. and his brother Ray Benton, and his wife Ellen Benton, Bella Vista, AR. Colonel Benton was born in Fredickstown, MO. on April 26, 1928. He attended elementary school in Kentucky and high school in Doniphan, MO. Colonel Benton received his bachelor's degree in Kansas and his master's degree from Michigan. After graduating from high school, he joined the army and served in the Pacific Theatre and Japan at the conclusion of World War II. Colonel Benton was the Company Commander of the Army National Guard in Doniphan in the late 1950s. He continued serving his country in the Army and Air Force Reserve, while pursuing a career in transportation. He retired after almost 35 years in the transportation industry as an executive with various motor carriers in the Midwest. Colonel Benton's served in various and extensive assignments with the Air Force Reserve and on active duty with the Air Force. He was a graduate of the Infantry School, Air War College and Army War College. Colonel Benton was always active in various civic functions. He is a Charter Member of the Doniphan, MO. Lions Club, a Silver Beaver Award recipient in the Boy Scouts; and active with the Kiwanis and Exchange Club. After his retirement from the Transportation Industry, Colonel Benton served on the Red Cross National Disaster Team responding to various national disasters utilizing his logistics experience to help rush supplies to the disaster areas. Recently, Colonel Benton continued his community service by teaching history to Olathe, KS. elementary students and serving as a guide at the Maheffee House, a stage coach stop of the Santa Fe Trail. He served as a volunteer and on the Board of Directors at the Parkinson Foundation in Kansas City. A victim of Parkinson's Disease, Colonel Benton wishes that contributions to the Parkinson's Foundation be made in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be sent to Parkinson's Foundation, 7800 Foster Street, Overland Park KS. 66204. Visitation will be held Monday evening, 5 to 8 p.m. on January 22nd, at Edward's Funeral Home in Doniphan, MO. A service in Colonel Benton's honor will be held in Doniphan, MO. on Tuesday January 23rd at 2:00 p.m. A wake shall be held in his honor following the graveside services.