William Benton Obituary

William J. Benton Oct. 1, 1922 - June 13, 2007. William J. "Bill" Benton, age 84, was called home to be with his Lord on June 13, 2007. He was born in Dallas, Texas on October 1, 1922 to William Frank and Lena (Wirth) Benton. Bill was educated in the public schools of Dallas and at Southern Methodist University where he earned the B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He married Anna Mae Mueller on October 28, 1943. She preceded him in death in 1945. He married Dorothy Elizabeth Mueller September 3, 1949. She preceded him in death in 2004. He served his country in the U.S. Navy in World War II. Mr. Benton held positions of increasing responsibility with Western Union, Sinclair Pipeline Company, ARCO, and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in Texas, Kansas, and Alaska, during his career of more than 35 years in the communications and oil industries. In Alaska, he managed construction of the communications systems for both the construction and operation of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Bill previously served in churches in Dallas, TX, Independence, KS, Anchorage, AK, Houston, TX, Arnold, CA, and was currently a member of Village Seven Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs. He especially used his gifts for Bible study and teaching, as well as music. Bill was a devoted husband, and loving father and grandfather. He was an avid golfer (with a certified hole-in-one) and enjoyed reading and photography. He is survived by his sister, Esther Sexton, of Desoto, Texas; two sons: David (Karen) Benton of Devon, Pennsylvania and Daniel (Diana) Benton of Scottsdale, Arizona; and three daughters: Joy (Roger) Reed of Madison, South Dakota; Daphne (Bill) Boardman of Danville, California; and Tricia (Tim) Woodroof of Colorado Springs. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren: Shan, Shonda (Paul), Joshua, Amy, Will (Andrea), Hannah, Julianne, Ben, Laura, Kristin, Nathan, Abigail, and Gabriel; and one great-grandson: William Thomas. For his family and those who knew him, he will always be the model of faithfulness, integrity, devotion, and steadfast love. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 2 at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4050 Nonchalant Circle South, Colorado Springs, CO 80917. Inurnment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Old Glory Columbarium. Memorial contributions may be made to Village Seven Presbyterian Church World Missions.