Richard Benton
Richard Alan Benton
Richard A. Benton was born on March 13, 1947 in Wilkinsburg, PA. He graduated from Trafford High School in 1965 and attended Williamsport Area Community College completing a two-year degree in heavy equipment operations. Richard went on to enlist in the Army in 1967 and completed his basic training in Jackson, SC. He was then sent to leadership training at Ft. Leonard in Wood, MO where he graduated with honors. In February 1968 he was assigned to the 591 st Engineer Company and was sent to Vietnam as a heavy equipment operator. Richard completed two tours in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in April 1970. Richard moved to Bedford, PA where he owned and operated a furniture upholstery business for several years and then went on to own and operate a concession and vending business. In 2005 he decided to relocate to Las Vegas, NV to be closer to his daughter and her family. He worked in the concrete business until he retired in January 2019. Richard loved his country and was extremely proud he was able to serve. He was a devoted, loving father to his only daughter, Tracy, and he loved his two grandchildren, Connor and Sophie, more than anything. Richard spent every moment outside of work with his daughter's family watching football and attending his grandchildren's basketball, soccer, and volleyball games. He was an avid Steelers fan and made it a point to watch every game with his grandson. Richard passed away on January 24, 2020 due to pancreatic cancer. Richard spent every day of his life remembering and honoring his fallen brothers in Vietnam. Rest in peace soldier. You were loved beyond words and you will never be forgotten.