Dennis Delton Benton

Dennis Delton Benton, 87, USAF MSgt. Ret., a native of Athens, TX and a current resident of Tyler, entered into eternal life on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at a local care center. Visitation: 10:30 to 11:30 Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017 at Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home. Graveside services will immediately follow at noon at ShelbyChapel Cemetery. Dennis Delton Benton was born on February 24, 1929 in Athens, the son of the late Lonnie Egbet Benton Sr. and the late Era Lavada Walling Benton. He would attend and graduate school in Athens where he was active on the tennis team along with his twin brother, Elton. Immediately following his gradation, he would join the US Air Force in which he would serve for the next 20 years. On March 2, 1949, he would marry his high school sweetheart, Ollie Angell. They would live in various places, including Texas, New Mexico, Korea and California during his military service. While serving at Gray Army Air Field in Texas, he and Ollie would add a daughter to their family, Linda. After his military career, the family would live in Irving, Plano, 7 Points and Athens before finally settling in Tyler in 1997. He would work several jobs, including ones for the Athens jail and the Water Treatment Plant. During retirement, he enjoyed any opportunity to fish. He was a good gardener, always busy with growing fresh vegetables in the back yard. The riding lawn mower gave him ability to care for his yard, something in which he always took great pride. Dennis was always faithful to his family, his church and his Lord. He had a passion for church, previously First Church of Tyler, now Life Church, and his pastors. When his illness deprived him from attending services, his church family was faithful to help with transportation and home chores. He is survived by his wife of almost sixty-eight years, Oliie Angell Benton; daughter, Linda Benton Hamilton and her spouse Larry of Bakersfield, CA.; grandson, Dennis Doyle Hamilton of Bakersfield, CA; twin brother, Elton Benton and his wife Loretta of Fort Smith, AR; sister, Mary Benton Dean of Rogers, AR; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lonnie Benton Jr. and a sister, Jody Benton Everett.

Dennis Delton Benton

February 24, 1929 - February 5, 2017