WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Larry Dean Benton, age 87, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 15, 2024, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
He was born April 13, 1937 in Sturgis, son of the late Cecil and Jessie (Porter) Benton.
Larry resided most of his life in Sturgis. His early life was lived in Bronson.
On August 17, 1968, he married JoAnn Lung in Sturgis. She preceded him in death May 1, 2018.
Larry retired in 1997 from Grumman-Olson in Sturgis following 28 years of dedicated employment as a wireman.
Larry was a true train enthusiast. He had an extensive H-O train layout in his basement that he and JoAnn worked on for years. He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army serving from March 2, 1956 – March 1, 1958, earning the rank of PFC. Following his honorable discharge, he served an additional six years with the U.S. Army Reserves with the Tank Brigade.
He is survived by his brother: Richard Benton of Edwardsburg; nieces: Cheryl Murillo of Holland and Kristin (Michael) Gerfen of Schoolcraft; brother-in-law: Jeff (Beverly) Lung of Sturgis and sister-in-law: Janet Lung of White Pigeon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-law: Linda Benton and Judy Jones and brothers-in-law: Jerry, Jack and Johnny Lung.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 21st at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis where funeral services celebrating the life of Larry Dean Benton will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00. Pastor Doug Noonkester of the First Baptist Church in Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and U.S. Army Honor Guards.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Elara Caring Hospice 4664 Campus Drive, Suite 101A, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
