N.J. (Jake) Benton

N.J. “Jake” Benton, 86, of Salem, Arkansas departed this life on December 2, 2019 at Salem, Arkansas. He was born to the late William Dewitt Benton and Cora Hettie (Carr) Benton on August 7, 1933 in Frenchtown, Arkansas.  

N.J. was united into marriage to Bonnie Sue Holloway on November 5, 1955 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. N.J. spent his working years as a grader operator for Fulton County and as a farmer. N.J. served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. N.J. enjoyed driving country roads, being on the farm, and working cattle. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend and was a member of the Salem Church of Christ.

He leaves to mourn his passing; wife, Bonnie Sue Benton of Salem, Arkansas; son, Steve Benton and wife Kris of Bella Vista, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Kyle Benton, Makenzi Benton, Taylor Dumas and husband Alex, and Baleigh Birdcreek; two great grandchildren, Vaden Dumas and Brantley Dumas; sister, Zada Kennedy of Crossville, Tennessee; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, and five sisters.  

Funeral services are 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 6, 2019 at Salem Church of Christ in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. David Gibson, Bro. Mike Yates, and Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation will be 10:00 A.M. until time of service on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the Salem Church of Christ. Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Donny Lance, James Coffman, Harrel Ray Estes, William Hurtt, Danny Haney, and Willie McCord. Honorary pallbearers are Dwight Smith, Sam Casey, Jerrel Mahan, Jerry Overman, Keith McHenry, and Randy Zeigler. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Paragould Children’s Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Arkansas.