Paul Wayne Benton of Heavener, Oklahoma (formerly of Woodward, Oklahoma) was born October 10, 1942 in Elk City, Oklahoma to Rufus and Maxine (Stultz) Benton and passed away on February 6, 2022 at his home in Heavener, Oklahoma at the age of 79.
He is survived by:
His wife of 59 years:
Frances Benton of the home
Three sons:
Todd Benton and wife Christie of Woodward, Oklahoma
Van Benton and wife Monika of Heavener, Oklahoma
Scott Benton and wife Tangela of Burns Flat, Oklahoma
One sister:
Audria Quisenberry and husband John of Tulsa, Oklahoma
One brother-in-law:
Larry Wright and wife Teresa of Ft. Smith, Arkansas
Five grandchildren
Seven great-grandchildren
His best friend, who was more like a brother to him:
Jim Berry of Woodward, Oklahoma,
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other close friends
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Benton and Maxine Benton Chastain; mother-in-law, Louise Ackley and husband Dick of Heavener; his beloved dog, Molly, who was the most loving, loyal and ever-eager hunting companion for over 16 years.
Paul grew up and attended grade school in Elk City, until the family moved to Woodward where he attended school and graduated from high school in 1960. He then attended Eastern Oklahoma State College on a football scholarship.
While attending college, Paul met Frances Ellen Wright and the two were united in marriage on August 4, 1962 in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. They were blessed with three sons: Todd, Van, and Scott.
Paul worked in the construction industry for many years in and around Heavener until returning to Woodward, Oklahoma in 1964. He began working at Osborne Lumber, a local lumber yard in Woodward, until moving to Watonga in 1970 after being promoted into a management position with Long Bell Lumber. In 1977, Paul accepted another promotion with International Paper which took him and his family to Corpus Christi, Texas. After leaving International Paper, Paul moved the family back to Woodward.
Paul enjoyed helping others and found his life’s calling at the Woodward Fire Department where he served proudly until he retired in 1990. He loved being a firefighter and serving alongside all his firefighter brothers. He fondly reminisced of his time as a fireman until his death.
The only thing Paul loved more than his time as a fireman was the time he spent with family and proudly spoke of them anytime the opportunity presented itself. He passed along his love for his many hobbies to his sons, including woodworking, sports, hunting and fishing. He loved spending time outdoors and being out in the woods.
Paul was equally proud to have shared with his family his faith in God. Paul was an Elder at the First Christian Church in Woodward for many years. After moving to Heavener, he joined the Heavener Christian Church where he was an active member until his death.
Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Heavener Christian Church in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother Denton Mead officiating. Cremains will be buried in Heavener Memorial Park. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home in Heavener, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial contribution be made to the City of Heavener for its captured canine facilities, 103 E. Ave. B, Heavener, Oklahoma 74937.
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