October 8,1936 – December 24, 2022
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”
2 Timothy 4:7 KJV
Robert William Benton peacefully left this earth to be with Jesus on Christmas Eve at home surrounded by his loving family. His unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his strength over the years of pain he endured.
He was born October 8, 1936, in Livingston, Louisiana, where he lived until he met the love of his life, Ronda. They married January 4, 1958, and were married nearly 65 years. His gypsy blood took them to Alaska and Colorado to work, where his heart stayed even after he returned to Louisiana.
A father of three, he loved his family fiercely; but to Robert, family was more than blood. He named a number of friends as brothers and many more children as grandchildren. He spent a lot of time telling stories and laughing, even to his last days where some of his final conversations were telling jokes. It was likely that if you knew Robert, you would have been on the receiving end of his jokes, but you could rest assured, he wouldn’t pick on you if he didn’t love you. He was an outdoorsman at heart and always wanted to see what was on the other side of the mountain- what made him unique was his determination to always follow that desire. Also an avid hunter, he took many trips over his years including his final trip to Canada with his son, Lathan, where he made his most prized kill, a 9-point whitetail deer. Much to Ronda’s dismay, one of his pastimes for years included practicing his elk calls to prepare for his most memorable elk hunt in Colorado with Lathan and son-in-law, Tom. Called Sweetie, Dad, Daddy, and Papaw, he is survived by his wife, Ronda, his daughter, Sandra Mitchell and husband Tom, his son, Lathan Benton and wife Christie, 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kaye Cormier. Visitation to honor Robert will be held at Fundamental Baptist Church in Livingston, Louisiana on Friday, December 30th from 10 am to 12 pm followed by religious services conducted by Rev. Rusty Silvertooth and Rev Joey Wampler. He will be laid to rest at Fundamental Baptist Church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Mitchell, Jake Mitchell, Logan Farrow, Thadd Lavigne, Preston Jones, and Dylan Hughes.
Honorary pallbearers will be Lucas Lavigne and Gage Keel.
In honor of Robert’s dedication to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, please consider donations to Beams Bible Ministry, POBox 10200, Gulfport, MIssissippi, 39505, in lieu of flowers.
6 comments
Chaplain Rita King Chadwick
January 22, 2023 at 6:40 am
May all the warm and special memories you shared with your loved one, stay with the family and bring you comfort through all the days ahead. My prayer for you, “May the Lord bless and keep you , may His face shine upon you, may He always show you His favor and give you peace all the days of your life.” Thanks to your family for allowing Bridgeway to care for your loved one . Please , if anyone needs someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to call.
Chaplain Rita King-Chadwick, Bereavement/Counselor
Bridgeway Healthcare & Hospice
4333 American Way
Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Phone: 225-753-1495
William Yeo
December 30, 2022 at 7:07 am
Dear Mr Lathan and family,
Sorry for your loss. Take care.
William Yeo
Nick Morris
December 30, 2022 at 1:56 am
Lathan and Family, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Condolences from the Morris family and hopes for fair winds and following seas. Sounds like he was a great man and cherished by many.
Nick, Jennifer and Coleson
Fort McMurray, Alberta
Linda & Don Minter
December 30, 2022 at 12:31 am
We send our love to Lathan and Christie and the Benton family during this emotional time.
Linda and Don Minter
Rajaram
December 29, 2022 at 2:27 am
Dear Mr. Lathan and family,
So sorry to hear, will pray god to keep you all strong during this tough time, may his soul rest in peace…🙏
Rajaram and family.
Donna Donegan
December 27, 2022 at 11:28 pm
Lathan, Christie, and family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤️🙏❤️
Love y’all,
Donna Donegan, Aunt Harvis Ann Starkey, Brittany and Tim Lloyd.