In Memory Of
Elton E. Benton
1929
2017
Elton E. Benton
March 12, 1929 — March 30, 2017
Elton Elijah Benton, 88, passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2017.
He was born March 12, 1929 in Johnsonville, South Carolina, to Florence and Willie Benton. He had four sisters and a brother.
Nicknamed “Benny”, Elton enlisted in the Air Force in 1948 and was deployed to England where he met and married Theresa Taylor. During his 22 years in the Air Force, he had many duty stations, spending eight years in France and Germany working as a safety specialist. With his quick wit and southern charm, he made lifelong friendships. In 1968 he came to F.E. Warren AFB until his retirement in 1970.
He worked for the State of Wyoming, and LCCC where he helped to develop the safety engineering program and became an instructor. With his expertise in safety and his easy manner, he found a new passion in teaching. He touched the lives of his students, many of whom he continued to hear from throughout the years. Elton had a B.S. in safety engineering and an M.S. in industrial management.
He was married to Mieko Harnish until her death in 1999. While traveling to Mexico, he met and became engaged to Gaudalia Cruz-Hernandez.
Elton was a humble man who spent his life helping others and bringing people together. He was a generous man donating much of his time to his church and community service organizations. He served as a hospice volunteer from 2003 to 2016. In 2007, he received the President’s volunteer service award.
Elton loved life, people, BBQs, traveling, gardening, watching old Western movies, reading and the gathering of friends and family. He had a big, warm smile, a strong will and great courage.
He is survived by his daughters, Leslie A. (Doug) Bittle and Collette (Tom) Long; grandchildren, Tom Jordan (Jo Lyn), Amy Bittle, Sarah Bittle, Zachary Elton Skagen, David Skagen and Mary Skagen and great grandchildren, Samantha Jordan and Ralph Jordan; many step children and grandchildren, his fiancée Gaudalia Cruz-Hernandez and his long-time companion and friend, Betsy Kohlmiller.
He was preceded in death by his son, A. Glen Benton and wife, Mieko Harnish; his parents and siblings.
Services will be at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, 1900 E. 19th Street at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 6.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elton’s memory can be sent to Davis Hospice Volunteer Program, 6000 Sycamore Rd., Cheyenne, WY 82009.
He was born March 12, 1929 in Johnsonville, South Carolina, to Florence and Willie Benton. He had four sisters and a brother.
Nicknamed “Benny”, Elton enlisted in the Air Force in 1948 and was deployed to England where he met and married Theresa Taylor. During his 22 years in the Air Force, he had many duty stations, spending eight years in France and Germany working as a safety specialist. With his quick wit and southern charm, he made lifelong friendships. In 1968 he came to F.E. Warren AFB until his retirement in 1970.
He worked for the State of Wyoming, and LCCC where he helped to develop the safety engineering program and became an instructor. With his expertise in safety and his easy manner, he found a new passion in teaching. He touched the lives of his students, many of whom he continued to hear from throughout the years. Elton had a B.S. in safety engineering and an M.S. in industrial management.
He was married to Mieko Harnish until her death in 1999. While traveling to Mexico, he met and became engaged to Gaudalia Cruz-Hernandez.
Elton was a humble man who spent his life helping others and bringing people together. He was a generous man donating much of his time to his church and community service organizations. He served as a hospice volunteer from 2003 to 2016. In 2007, he received the President’s volunteer service award.
Elton loved life, people, BBQs, traveling, gardening, watching old Western movies, reading and the gathering of friends and family. He had a big, warm smile, a strong will and great courage.
He is survived by his daughters, Leslie A. (Doug) Bittle and Collette (Tom) Long; grandchildren, Tom Jordan (Jo Lyn), Amy Bittle, Sarah Bittle, Zachary Elton Skagen, David Skagen and Mary Skagen and great grandchildren, Samantha Jordan and Ralph Jordan; many step children and grandchildren, his fiancée Gaudalia Cruz-Hernandez and his long-time companion and friend, Betsy Kohlmiller.
He was preceded in death by his son, A. Glen Benton and wife, Mieko Harnish; his parents and siblings.
Services will be at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, 1900 E. 19th Street at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 6.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Elton’s memory can be sent to Davis Hospice Volunteer Program, 6000 Sycamore Rd., Cheyenne, WY 82009.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elton E. Benton, please visit our flower store.
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