Jacksonville, AR – Cecil L. Benton, 88, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2015 at his residence. Born November 9, 1926, he was the son of William Henry and Lennie Myrtle Staples Benton. He was a farmer and a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He served in the Merchant Marines, Army, and Air Force.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Karen Gross; five brothers; and five sisters.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, LaVerne Vaughn Benton of Jacksonville; a daughter, Cecilia Benton of Nashville, Tennessee; one sister, Tommie Ross of Colombia, Missouri; and one granddaughter, Lauren May.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 22, 2015 at 11 am at Cherokee Village Baptist Church in Cherokee Village with Larry White officiating. Visitation will be from 10 am until time for services. Burial will follow at the Saddle Cemetery near Ash Flat.