Darwin Benton

Funeral services for Darwin Keith Benton, 87, Midwest City, OK, formerly of Lawrence, will be held at 10:30 a.m., May 2, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Burlington, KS at 3:00 p.m.  He died on Thursday, April 25, 2013 in Midwest City, OK.

Darwin was born on December 24, 1925 in Ottumwa, KS the son of Arthur M. and Ocie (Noel) Benton.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He was assigned to the USS Hamlin in the Pacific.  He returned to service during the Korean Conflict and was, once again, honorably discharged.

Darwin began his real estate career as an abstractor in 1954, he was later associated with Holmes, Peck and Brown, Mitchell-Stephens and, finally, Stephens Real Estate until his retirement.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ, worshiping through the years at Southside and later, Baldwin.  He loved his church family. Among other civic engagements, Darwin was an active member of the Lawrence Breakfast Optimist Club for over 50 years and the American Legion.  He also enjoyed his work with Meals on Wheels.

Darwin married Nelda Lou Cochran on May 25, 1947 in Burlington, KS, nearly 66 years ago.   She survives and presently resides in Midwest City, OK near their son.

Other survivors include two sons, Andrew K. Benton, Malibu, CA and Dan L. Benton, Midwest City, OK and their wives, Debby and Kelly, respectively; four grandchildren, Hailey, Chris, Megan and Evan; sister Joy Becker, Papillion, NE; and many cousins, nephews and nieces whom he loved very much.

The family will greet friends from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Lawrence Schools Foundation and may be sent in care of the mortuary.