Max E. BENTON

NEWPORT NEWS - MSGT Max E. Benton, 55, born on July 14, 1954, went to be with his Lord on April 8, 2010.
After attending Ferguson High School, Mr. Benton joined the Marines where he served on fire fighting crash crew in Okinawa, Japan, and also the Philippines. After retirement, he went to work as head fire chief at Burbank International Airport and was later promoted to head of operations for the airport. He later served on an operations board for LAX after the Sept. 11, attacks on the World Trade Center. He was instrumental in helping develop new plans for the fight against terrorism. He retired again and spent a few years traveling the U.S.
Mr. Benton was preceded in death by his father, Ray Benton of Sparks, Nev.; mother, Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Benton of Newport News; a dear nephew, Paul Tonn of Clear Lake, Wis.; and a very close and lifelong friend, Hunter R. Avis of Lake Gaston, N.C.
Left to cherish his memory is 'the jewel of his life,' his daughter, Crystal, and his future son-in-law, Randy Percell, and her mother, Marlene; sisters, Ann Simpson of Georgia, Nina and husband, the Rev. Gary Tonn of Clear Lake, Wis., Lisa and husband, Mike Stevenson of Richmond; brothers, Robert Benton and wife, Lynice of Sparks, Nev., James and wife, Wendy of Wahpeton, N.D. He was a cherished uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many close friends including his retired buddies, MSGT Harn and wife, Barbara, and fellow Marine, 'Tops.'
As many friends will attest that 'Gunny' Benton firmly believed that once a Marine always a Marine. Although he will not be able to attend his daughter, Crystal's wedding, he will be there in spirit.
Memorial services are pending at Riverside National Cemetery, California.
Condolences may be sent to Crystal Benton at 23281 Sky Drive, Lake Forrest, CA 92630.
I Love You Crystal, Dad. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.