Richard Douglas Benton “Benny”, age 72, died Monday morning at home, Mr. Benton is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna Kay Rosselli-Benton, sons Shawn (Susan Burkheimer), Todd (Jana Robertson), and Matthew (wife Lisa), granddaughters Kylie Benton and Brenna Moore, sisters Sandra Borradaile, Beverley Campbell and Carol Benton, as well as many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Beulah (Fairhaven, OH), sister Linda Peters (W Palm Beach, FL), and brother Tom Benton (Jacksonville, FL).
Benny grew up in Fairhaven, Ohio, where the community knew him affectionately as “Dickie Benton” and he graduated from Dixon-Israel High School in 1963.
Benny served 30+ years in the United States Air Force, honorably serving his country in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Desert Shield and other major operations, earning three Distinguished Flying Crosses among many other honors. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from Carswell AFB in 1992.
Benny was loved by all who knew him, and often entertained everyone with stories of his adventurous childhood and close calls in combat. He will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Childfund International.