Robert D. Benton, 78, of Olney died Wednesday July 19, 2006 at Deaconess Hospital in Vincennes, Ind.  Cremation rites accorded with interment of cremains in Haven Hill Cemetery in Olney.

Mr. Benton was born on April 9, 1928 in Richland County, the son of Charles L. and Esther Ruth (Hoel) Benton. He married Jane Jackman on November 8, 1952.

He was a retired farmer and a member of Elm Street Christian Church in Olney. He was a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Rich-Law and Farm Bureau.

Mr. Benton is survived by his wife, Jane Benton of Olney; four daughters, Sara Benton of Newton, Alice Mullinax and her husband, Greg of Parkersburg,  Beth Kinkade and her husband, Albert of Olney and Ellen Collins and her husband, Randall of Springfield; one son, John Benton and his wife, Natasha of Olney; three sisters, Virginia Weiler and her husband, Byron of Olney, Jean Schrey and her husband, Kenneth of Olney and Charlene Diel and her husband, Gerald of Olney; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jane Bailey and daughter-in-law, Diana Benton.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)