Darwin Benton

Funeral services for Darwin Keith Benton, 87, Midwest City, OK, formerly of Lawrence, will be held at 10:30 a.m., May 2, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Burlington, KS at 3:00 p.m.  He died on Thursday, April 25, 2013 in Midwest City, OK.

Darwin was born on December 24, 1925 in Ottumwa, KS the son of Arthur M. and Ocie (Noel) Benton.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He was assigned to the USS Hamlin in the Pacific.  He returned to service during the Korean Conflict and was, once again, honorably discharged.

Darwin began his real estate career as an abstractor in 1954, he was later associated with Holmes, Peck and Brown, Mitchell-Stephens and, finally, Stephens Real Estate until his retirement.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, worshiping through the years at Southside and later, Baldwin.  He loved his church family. Among other civic engagements, Darwin was an active member of the Lawrence Breakfast Optimist Club for over 50 years and the American Legion.  He also enjoyed his work with Meals on Wheels.

Darwin married Nelda Lou Cochran on May 25, 1947 in Burlington, KS, nearly 66 years ago.   She survives and presently resides in Midwest City, OK near their son.

Other survivors include two sons, Andrew K. Benton, Malibu, CA and Dan L. Benton, Midwest City, OK and their wives, Debby and Kelly, respectively; four grandchildren, Hailey, Chris, Megan and Evan; sister Joy Becker, Papillion, NE; and many cousins, nephews and nieces whom he loved very much.

The family will greet friends from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Lawrence Schools Foundation and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
 

7 Condolences

  1. Jim and Sarah Eggleston on April 29, 2013 at 9:25 am

    We loved him very much. He and Nelda have always been a big part of our lives, taking us in as newlyweds 36 years ago at KU and from then on till now setting an example for us as gentle, humble, graceful people who wanted nothing for themselves, but everything the Kingdom. He joins the other saints around the Throne.



  2. Debbie Riddle on April 29, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    With sympathy,
    Your FountainBrook Family



  3. Jeannie Jones on April 29, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    Nelda, Andy,Dan,Joy, and families..My deepest sympathy is sent your way. I will not be able to attend the services for this fine man we have given back to our maker, but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
    May your faith, family, and fond memories help at this difficult time.
    My love and prayers to all of you.
    Jeannie (Combs) Jones
    Coffeyville, Kansas



  4. Janice Kummer on April 30, 2013 at 9:06 am

    I will always miss Darwin. He was so helpful to me at SRE and I considered him the most perfect Christian I had ever met. The family is in my thoughts and prayers.



  5. John Esau on April 30, 2013 at 9:22 am

    Dar was was a humble gentleman who left an impact on me many years ago when I was at Stephens Real Estate. He was a man of faith, first and foremost, and a wonderful example to everyone around him.



  6. Mary F. Lee on April 30, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Dan, I am so sorry to read of your father’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and you at this difficult time. God bless and keep you all.–Your LHS classmate, Mary.



  7. Dolores Decker on May 5, 2013 at 9:10 pm

    Dear Nelda–so sorry to read the paper & read of your loss. I know it will be rough on you. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Your friend & old neighbor. Dolores Decker



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