Leslie Franklin Benton Jr.

Leslie Benton Obituary

Leslie Franklin Benton, Jr. was born on December 7, 1929. He passed away on January 14, 2011 in Oklahoma City after a brief illness. Leslie worked for Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company for more than 38 years. He was preceded in death by his son, Larry Wayne Benton. He is survived by his wife, Laura Benton; and his son, Kenneth Lynn Benton. His graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Epworth Villa Retirement Community Benevolence Fund or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Plans for a memorial service to be held in the Brill Chapel at Epworth Villa are pending.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oklahoman on Jan. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Benton

3 Entries

Emogene Nieman

January 20, 2011

Laura and Kenneth: So sorry about your husband and father. I know you will both miss him. He will be missed by the community here at Epworth also. I have been thinking of you and saying a prayer for your peace. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you peace. Emogene Nieman

Janie Roach Lampi

January 18, 2011

Ken, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I know this will be a difficult transition for you.

January 15, 2011

Where should I start.........here's to a man that was there for me and my family for almost 52 years. We met you and your family on 80th Street - next door neighbors. You were a gentle giant with big hands that had way too much patience with Larry, Kenneth, and I. Mike was too little and Julie hadn't yet arrived. We were always together, our families.

When you built the house on Glenwood and we lived on 110th Street the distance didn't keep us apart. Larry's illness and his passing was tough for all of us. I only saw you shed a tear once. When it was too tough to stay in the house you built another one just down the street from us. I will always remember the 4th of July's.....cookouts on the charcoal grill with your famous hamburgers...........you dropping eggs in full glasses of Coors while all of us kids squealed with disgust.........every Friday night at El Charrito or Shakey's Pizza or Johnnie's where the food was always plentiful and we could run around and be crazy like little kids are............driving to a movie or the skating rink or out to eat or just between our houses in your green station wagon when you would turn sharp corners and all of us kids would fly around in space in the back (Julie always got squished the worst and Larry always laughed the loudest)......late weekend nights when you and Laura and Mom and Dad would play bridge while we either romped around outside or snuck around the house after we had to go to bed and sneak in to listen to the grownups talk......your home made ice cream on the 4th of July...........the sweet smell as a kid of the bourbon and 7Up fizzing from the top of your glass.............your gentle warm embraces and encouragement when we did things both good AND bad......our many times with Jim and Mary Beth and their family of girls........wow what memories.

After we all grew up and moved away you were always the first one to come up at family gatherings and catch up on our lives............our crazy lifestyles, numerous girlfriends/boyfriends/spouses didn't faze you..........you were always genuine and accepting of them all. I bragged about my good family friend who was really tall and would always be there for you. When Julie passed away you were a constant for support, advice, and comfort. When we all went through myriad changes, difficulties, ups and downs..........I could always count on your smile and squeeze on my shoulder. I wanted to re-pay the impression you left on my life by naming my son after you.......Robert Leslie has always been proud of this reason.

Time went on and again you bought a house across the street from Mom and Dad on 142nd - neighbors again! While keeping my homes in Colorado and Missouri this meant a lot to me........knowing that you were closer than a phone call to my parents. Always a handy man with a solution to everything as long as a lumber yard or Lowe's was near. Man, Les, how may patio covers and trellises did you and Dad build? Or how many plumbing/electrical/insulation/car/pool/woodworking issues did you put your full interest into and fix with great satisfaction? Very many in my memory.

When Julie and I came down for Christmas this last month I was so glad that you, Laura, Ken, Dad and I had the time to sit and visit at Epworth. You looked happy as always, were strong, and we shared good things. I won't ever forget our visit.

The one thing that I will carry with me in my life of memories with you, Les, is your open acceptance and genuine interest in my girls.........my sister Julie, my wife Julie, and my daughter Andrea. You were always asking questions, there for them, caring.

I am thankful to know you Leslie, thanks for the lifetime of great times and memories. See you soon.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results