Harold Benton

Harold Benton, age 88, of 2055 South Floral Avenue, Bartow FL passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 5, 2018 of heart failure, after conquering cancer five times. A native of Lake Garfield, he had resided in Bartow all of his life with the exception of time spent in service to our country in the US Navy 1951-1955 during the Korean War. He served aboard the USS Sicily and the later sixteen months at Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu Hawaii. He was the son of the late Lena and Garney Benton. He was a 1948 graduate of Summerlin Institute where he loved and excelled in sports. He later retired as Head of Accountants from Walden Lake, Plant City. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bartow and activities at Floral Lakes. Mr. Benton is survived by his wife of 67 years, Laurene “Laurie” Benton; son Daniel Benton; daughter Valerie Kirkland (Gerald); five grandchildren Amanda Craven (Bobby), Lindsey Kirkland (Danielle), Allison Benton, Joshua Benton and Saralyn Benton; great grandchildren Kayla and Savannah Jackson, Hunter and Sophie Kirkland and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters Ruth Mathis and Grace Thompson, as well as brothers Glen, Selma, Milton and Harry Benton. He dearly loved his family, including his Shih Tzu, Buttons. A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Bartow on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church at 355 South Florida Ave. Bartow, FL 33830.