Elmer R. Benton Jr.

Elmer Roy Benton, Jr., 78, of Mexico, died Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at Audrain Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006 at 10:30 am at Pickering Funeral Home. Pastor Delbert Dillon and Rev. Duane Brush will officiate. Visitation will be Monday from 6:30 until 8 pm. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Mr. Benton was born on Oct. 3, 1927, in Columbia, a son of Elmer Roy and Pearl Evelyn (Duncan) Benton. On Jan. 8, 1957 in Fulton he married Roseanna Joy Zeigler, who preceded him in death on Mar. 29, 2002.

Mr. Benton served in the US Army during World War II. He was a member of the Church of God Holiness.

Survivors include two sons, Roy Benton and his fiancée, Gloria Perry, and Randall Benton; two daughters, Marcella Johnson and husband Gary, and Cheryl Poindexter and husband Roger, all of Mexico; a very special friend, Dorothy Cissell; three brothers, Thomas Benton, Mexico, Donald Benton, Holts Summit, and Roy Hamilton, Moberly; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Mr. Benton was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters, Lucille Bruce, Evelyn Ray, and Helen Henderson.