Thomas Joseph Benton

THOMAS JOSEPH BENTON, 68 , of Ellis Grove, Illinois, passed away at 6:21 pm, on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville, Missouri.

He was born to Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Reinken) Benton on March 16, 1950 in St. Louis, Missouri.

He married Rita Ann Runge on September 9, 1971 in St Joe, Illinois.  She survives.

Thomas was a Laborer Foreman.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis Grove, Illinois.  He was a member of Labor Local #196 for over 50 years and had served as a past Secretary Treasurer for over 25 of those years.  He was also a member of the Randolph County Democrats and was a Precinct Committeeman for many years.

Thomas was a former owner of the Ellis Grove Café and loved traveling with the family and fishing.

Survivors:
Wife:                    Rita Ann Benton                             Ellis Grove, IL
1 Daughter:          Christine (Jeremy) Gottschammer    Ellis Grove, IL
2 Siblings:            Kenneth (Jan) Benton                     Freeburg, IL
Judy Juelfs                                     Waterloo, IL
1 Brother-in-law:  Fred Runge                                     Waterloo, IL
3 Grandchildren:   Devin, Addison and Joshua
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in death by : Parents, 1 Sister – Donna Marie Benton, 1 Sister-in-law – Betty Runge and 1 Brother-in-law – Vernon Juelfs

Funeral Service : 7:00 pm, Monday, July 23, 2018
Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: Deacon Al DuBois

Visitation :           Monday, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois

A Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers
Memorials: Ellis Grove Tree of Lights
c/o Christine & Jeremy Gottschammer