John F. Benton

John F. Benton, 53, of Lawrenceville, IL, died April 9, 2021, in the comfort of his home. He was born June 26, 1967, in Porterville, IL, the son of Paul Monroe Benton, Sr. & Ida Mae (Scott) Benton, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Carl, Chester, and Marshall Benton; and by his sisters, Rosella Watts and Francis Benton. He married Jackie Brown on June 29, 1990, and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Harley Benton; by his daughter, Nicole Benton & Jenny Stevens; by his grandchildren, Alex Benton, Brian Miller II, and Grace Benton; by his siblings, Paulette Weger, Debbie Myers, and Paul Benton, Jr.; by his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Frank & Diane Brown; by his brother-by-choice, Garry Young; as well as several nieces and nephews. Anyone who had the joy and privilege to know the man could attest to the fact that John Benton could do just about anything. He epitomized the term "Jack of All Trades", and was one of the handiest people you'd have the opportunity to meet. He was an ace with an airbrush, having made countless works of art on shirts, motorcycle tanks, and most recently, masks. He also expressed his creative side by carving various animals and even ninja cell phone holders out of wood! Few things brought him more joy than tinkering with his remote control airplanes or tending to his garden. His bonsai trees were a great source of joy in his life and pointed to his interest in all-things Japanese culture. It was evident that he found life in the great outdoors and spent countless hours fishing and riding his motorcycle with his best friend, Garry. He, as well as his beloved family, could speak to the sense of humor with which John lived. Though he was known to give them grief, he was a wonderful husband, a super-great dad, a beautiful grandfather, the best friend you could ask for and was the rock of his family. In short, John Benton was his family's superhero. He leaves behind not only memories but also a sense that life is what you make it! We are thankful and proud that his 53 years were marked by passion, love, and joy. It was John's wish to be cremated without public services. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.