Harold L. Benton's Obituary
Decatur – Harold L. Benton, 72, of Warrensburg, IL took the hand of his Lord and went with Him to his Heavenly home on Sunday, April 15, 2018 in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Harold was born August 13, 1945 in Decatur, IL to Albert Benton and Marcella Dhermy Benton. He began working at Caterpillar in 1964 and retired after 31 years of service in 1996. He served in the United States Air Force from 1965-1969. After retirement Harold worked as a realtor for Coldwell Banker and later owned Central Illinois Vending.
Harold married the love of his life, Diana Brewster, on September 4, 1966. They were blessed with 51 years of marriage, two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Surviving are his wife, Diana; two children, Scott (Patti) Benton of Cudahy, WI and Melissa (Barry) Cripe of Cerro Gordo; three grandchildren, Noah Benton of Milwaukee, WI, Drew Cripe and Addison Cripe of Cerro Gordo, and Great Grandson, Ezekiah Benton of Decatur, all whom he adored. Sisters, Linda Grieme of Surprise, Arizona and Lynette (Jim) Yarnell of Bethany. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, many cherished friends, and his special dog, Soffee. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Lillian Bellas, and brother-in-law Robert Grieme.
Harold was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Forsyth for 39 years where he served as an elder. He was the current commander of the American Legion Post 105 and a passionate member of the Macon County Honor Guard. Over the years he enjoyed Boy Scouts, golfing, and classic cars especially his 1962 and 1964 Chevy convertibles. He and Diana enjoyed boating together and were members of the Decatur Boat Club for 24 years. They especially loved spending time with their friends going on river trips, houseboating on Table Rock Lake, vacations in Fort Meyers, FL, Cancun, and winters in Arizona. He loved watching his grandchildren at sporting events, dance recitals, and school activities.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 19, 2018, from 5 to 8 pm, at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. A Christian funeral service will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018, at 11:00 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Forsyth with visitation an hour before. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Township Cemetery with full military rights conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or Macon County Honor Guard.
We were blessed to have Harold as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. We will remember him for his love of God, family, and his country. Rest in peace loved one, you are free of pain. Rejoice in Heaven.
The family of Harold L. Benton is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St, Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
Video Tribute for Harold L. Benton: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/NWJL5CZWR3935BBX
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