Don Richard Benton, October 15, 1945 — January 19, 2019

Don’s Obituary Don Richard Benton, 73, of Valley View, Texas passed way at home on January 19, 2019. He was born on October 15, 1945 in Bonham, Texas to John Wesley and Opal Nadine (Munger) Benton. Don attended Grand Prairie High School and was the class of 1964.

Don enlisted into the United States Navy in January 1964. During his service, Don served as a Navy Radioman at An Thoi, Vietnam under Swift Boat 1 Squadron, Swift Boat 6. While deployed Don completed over 100 combat patrols under hostile conditions.

Don was honorably discharged on October 19, 1969. Don enlisted into the United States Coast Guard on April 17, 1972 and retired with over 20 years of total active duty military service on August 1, 1986. During his service aboard the United States Coast Guard Cuter Durable, Don was awarded for outstanding achievement and superior performance of duty while serving as radioman-in-charge.

This award was presented to Don for insuring communications through redundant systems and preplanning initiatives allowing distress messages to be transmitted during a fire in the main engine room. Despite overwhelming smoke, inadequate ventilation and extreme temperatures Don remained at his duty station for over an hour and a half. Don obtained his Associate in Applied Science Mid-Management from Oklahoma City Community College on December 17, 1988.

In addition to Don’s military service his hobbies included oil painting and drawings. During his attendance at Lee Junior High at the age of 15, Don painted a portrait of Robert E. Lee that was hung in appreciation by the school for 40 years. He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Mary JaLynn Benton of Valley View, daughter, Donna Jeannine Darrah and husband Richard of Ft.

Worth, son, Christopher Roy Benton and wife Amy Dian of Pearland, Texas, sister, Karen Tarrant of Wylie, brothers, Glen Benton of Burleson, Keith Benton of Arlington and James Benton of Plant City, Florida, three grandchildren, Sarah Nicole Benton, Abigail Elizabeth Darrah and Brianna Lathelle Darrah. He is preceded in death by his mother and father and sister, Glenda Lathel Warlick. Services will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019.

Interment will be held at the Dallas / Ft. Wroth National Cemetery in Dallas on Friday at 9:30 A.M. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Friday at the United Methodist Church in Valley View, Texas.

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