Vernon Smith Benton

Vernon S. Benton, age 89 passed away May 26, 2024, at his residence in Grand Prairie, Texas.  He is survived by his loving sons Vernon (Vicki) Benton, Rodger Benton, Jimmie (Denise) Benton; cherished grandchildren Gary Benton, Teri (Denny) Mauldin, Matthew (Gwendalyn) Benton, Jamie Jones, Rebekah Benton, Rachel (Emily) Davis, Samuel Benton, Shawna (Travis) Knox; and 14 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce, grandson Nathan Benton, and granddaughter Delilah Stagg.

Vernon was born on January 4, 1935 in Bonham, Texas to Chester Arthur Benton and Maud May Reeves.   Vernon married his childhood sweetheart Joyce Elaine Shelton on November 23, 1951 in McKinney, Texas.  They raised their 3 sons and 2 of their grandchildren together.  Vernon retired from his first career in the offshore oil drilling industry in 1989.  He enjoyed having a purpose and a job to do and soon went to work for Manheim Dallas Fort-Worth Auto Auction.  He retired from the auction in 2019.

He enjoyed going on cruises with family, watching his grandchildren play soccer when they were young, and walking outdoors.  He had a passion for driving and took numerous road trips to Las Vegas, Big Bend National Park, and Ranger Hill.  He would often drive several hours to have a cup of coffee with family members in Waco and Tennessee Colony and continued driving up to the end of his life.

A graveside service in loving memory will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Wilson Chapel Cemetery at 2135 Chapel Ln., McKinney, TX 75069