"Blessings to you and your family!! I remember him from growing up in Hampton in the late 70's... My condolences from the Beebe family..
"
In loving memory of
Arnold (A.C.) Benton
September 28, 1929 - February 7, 2013
Arnold (A.C.) Benton, 83, of Hampton, Iowa, died on Thursday, February 7, 2013, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton, Iowa. A.C. was born on Sept. 28, 1929 on the family farm in Guthrie County, Iowa to Charley and Helen (Sheeder) Benton.
He graduated from Guthrie Center, Iowa high school in 1947. After high school he had several jobs before coming to Hampton in Jan. of 1950, to sell John Deere machinery for the company store.
This started his long career in the John Deere business. He bought the company store in the early 1950's and continued in the business until 1985. At one time he had three stores, Hampton, Iowa Falls, and Geneva. For many years he was the highest volume dealer in the Moline branch of the John Deere Company.
During his years with Deere he acquired many acres of land in Northern Iowa and also Southern Iowa. Farming the land was one of the great joys of his life.
A.C. was united in marriage to Neva Davis on Jan. 25, 1960. After marriage they made their home in Hampton.
After selling the dealership and much of the land A.C. and Neva started a new phase of their lives in Reno, Nevada. In 1995 he became a major investor in a startup bank in Reno. He was a director on the bank board for 15 years. He enjoyed this very much, as he had been involved with different banks over the years.
A.C. was a very generous person. Nothing gave him more joy than helping people in need. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing with his son and grandson. During their 53 years of marriage A.C. and Neva enjoyed traveling to many countries, seeing different cultures.
A.C. is survived by his wife Neva of Hampton, son David Benton of Hampton, daughter Terry (Jeff) Markham of Bend, Oregon, three grandchildren, Joel Benton of Hampton, Amanda Markham of Chicago, and Molly (Adam) Baslow of Charleston, South Carolina, also three great grandchildren and two sisters Doris (Don) Laughery of Guthrie Center and Darlene Stringham of Guthrie Center. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Tim.
In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or a Charity of your choice.
Burial will take place at the Hampton Cemetery.
Tributes
"dave, sorry to hear about your dad's passing. just wanted to let you know i was thinking about you and your family. "
"Neva & family , Sorry for your loss . God be with you . Don Zimmer Casper, WY"
"Dave, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. You are blessed to have many good memories of him. Take care and you are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"David, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I have kept you and your family in my thoughts and prayers since I've heard the news. I know you will miss him, but as we all know, he was a good man. Look forward to seeing you next time I'm in Hampton."
"Worked for A.C. for a few years in the 80's. He was a fair, generous employer and made all of our trips enjoyable experiences. Condolences to the family."
"Arnie was a legend. I had the pleasure to work for him, Bill Krause and Wayne Grant at the radio station. As others have mentioned, he was a very generous kind man. "
"David. So sorry to hear about your dad. He was always so full of life and so much fun to be around Please know I am thinking of you"
"David, So sorry to hear about your dad and I know there is a physical void now but your memories will last forever. Your dad was a great man and I know he helped me out more than once and I will always rememeber him fondly. Neva, My condolances are with you too! I know we have not been in touch for quite some time but I will always remember my times with you, AC and David as mostly good ones (I know we were not always the best boys but you two always dealt with us fairly)! Again I am truely sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Sincerely, Bob Ferris "
"Neva, David, Joel, Terry & families, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You have been family friends for years. Arnie enjoyed all the lives he touched. I know he is fishing with Max & Wilbur now while Beulah & Elaine are cooking! Thanks for the memories Arnie! "
"Arnie often frequented a place I worked. More than once Arnie's generous tips helped with what he called my "boots & books fund" for my kids. Thanks again, Arnie! You were one of the "good ol' boys" and are remembered fondly."
"Thoughts and prayers to Dave and his family for their loss, today and in the days to come."
"I had the pleasure of meeting AC multiple times. One interaction, Arnie asked if I was related to William Yaw. I confirmed he was my great-grandfather. Arnie took my hand, and apologized, saying something more or less to the effect "I sold William a Model R John Deere, when I knew he wasn't a big enough guy to be able to handle that large a tractor. That sale has always been on my mind over these years." I was impressed he remembered that sale, as it didn't affect his stature in my family's respect for him. Nothing to worry about, AC. You will be missed. "
"I am so sorry for your loss. Arnie was a great friend of my father and a fantastic guy! He will be greatly missed! "