Charles Benton

CHARLES R. BENTON
1918 - 2010

Charles Richard Benton, MD, 92 of Pensacola, FL passed away on Tuesday, February 23rd in the company of family.
He was born in Gainesville, FL on January 10, 1918. He was a graduate of P.K Yonge School, Gainesville, FL, University of Florida where he earned a B.S. with high honors in Biology. He studied for a doctorate in genetics at University of California, Berkeley and earned his M.D. at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons. While an undergraduate, as a freshman, he was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, a science honors fraternity, subsequently awarded Phi Beta Kappa. He was an intern at Bellevue Hospital in Pediatrics and at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, NY and Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville, TN, training under esteemed pediatrician Amos Christie.
Dr. Benton practiced superior medicine for more than 40 years. Dr. Benton was board certified in pediatrics soon after his formal medical training and was also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Florida Pediatric Society and the Escambia County Medical Society. He practiced in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. where he met his wife. He had served as a Sargeant in the U.S. Army earlier in WWII. During the Korean War he served in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of Captain as base pediatrician, Tyndall AFB, Panama City, FL. Next, he became one of the first pediatricians to practice in Escambia County and even treated adults during the 1952-1953 polio outbreak. He was instrumental in the founding of Sacred Heart Children's Hospital. He was a long time trainer of future physicians through the Pensacola Educational Program (PEP). In addition he was a Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. After retiring from private practice he treated children at the Santa Rosa Health Department Milton, FL. He was active with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and United Cerebral Palsy.
He was a devoted churchman who took active roles as usher, Chalice Bearer, Vestry Member, Brother in St. Andrews, founding parent of the Episcopal Day School and gardener at Christ Church Parish.
Social and civic memberships including The Stow Avenue Men's Walking Talking Society; Theta Chi; the Toastmaster Club; Kiwanis Club; Gopher Club; the Pensacola Yacht Club; Pensacola Country Club; Pensacola Racquet Club; the Executive Club; Pensacola Historical Society; and the Pensacola Museum of Art. He was a member of the Scot Clans MacDougall and Robertson. His adventurous spirit was sealed as a U.S. Merchant Marine Deck Cadet, on the Lykes tramp steamer Stella traveling to Cuba, the Caribbean and South America during a college summer He enjoyed tennis, gardening, fossil and arrowhead hunting, fishing and was a voracious reader, who also mentored students in reading at Oliver Semmes Elementary School, Pensacola, FL.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Robert Benton, founding Dean and Professor of the Engineering School at University of Florida; his mother, Mabelle Williams Benton, graduate of FL State College for Women, teacher and artist; older brother, Robert Tyrie Benton, Civil Engineer who died in combat during WWII; younger brother, Hugh Herbert Benton, CPA.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Caroline Kissinger Benton of Pensacola; a son, Carl Avery Benton of Naples, FL; daughter, Ann Caroline Benton of South Kingstown, RI and Pensacola, FL; a brother, John Joseph Benton, Sr., MD, of Panama City, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dr. Benton's doors were open to all. He considered making house calls to be a privilege. Patients, colleagues, caregivers, friends and family will especially remember his grace, keen wit and caring demeanor present until the end.
Dr. Benton will be inurned in the columbarium of the Chapel of the Beloved Son in Christ Church in a private ceremony. A Celebration of his life will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 2:00pm at Christ Church, with a reception following in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Church, or to the Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, Pensacola.
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.