Our beloved world traveled laborer, Evrett Lee Benton, laid down the tools of his trade to enter a better world on November 29, 1995 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born May 1, 1920 in Springfield, Colorado, son of John William Wade and Norma Ann Bond Benton. Evrett graduated from Rolla High School in Kansas; thereafter worked on a wheat threshing crew until enlisting in the US Army in 1939. While serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Signal Corps he met and married Adelaide Cotes, July 3, 1943 in Caguas, Puerto Rico. His children are Norma (Jim) Lacy, Farmington; and Evrett Wade (Cheryl) Benton, Atlanta, Georgia.For many years of his life Evrett labored on oil drilling crews throughout the intermountain area and in Louisiana, California, Texas, Egypt, Alaska and Indonesia, living in over thirty communities. In later years he owned a water trucking business in Santa Barbara, Calif. This truly honest laborer took pride in his natural mechanical talents living by his motto: "If made by man, it's fixable!".
Evrett's life was filled with energetic enthusiasm. His avid interest in history and geography was enhanced by the travel opportunities provided through his work. He possessed a unique gift in that he recognized others as equals and knew no strangers. Fishing, a good golf game with his son, cooking for family members and a walk with his "mama" and dog, Sparky, were among the activities that filled his life.
In September, 1993 Evrett chose another labor as he embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived by Paul's motto of not being ashamed of the gospel, and enthusiastically traveled with the LDS Missionaries while willingly serving in several callings his Houston, Texas Ward.
Survived by his wife and children: sisters, Fern (Bud) Reid, Torry, Utah; Jayne (Bob) Cook, Salt Lake City; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 4, 1995, 12 noon at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 So. Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123, where friends may call one hour prior to services. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery.
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