Vernon J. Benton, Jr.

Vernon J. “Tootie” Benton, Jr., 91, of Qulin, Mo., formerly of Poplar Bluff, Mo. and Benton, Ark., passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at his nephew’s residence in Qulin.

Vernon, the son of the late Vernon J. Sr. and Ruby Edith Hefner Benton, was born April 30, 1927 in Piggott, Ark. He was a long-time member of Osborn General Baptist Church in Qulin. Vernon proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII, and had retired after years in retail sales, many of which were at Auto Zone in Poplar Bluff and Paragould, Ark. During his earlier years he sang in a gospel quartet along with his late wife Betty and was fondly known as the little guy with a big bass voice. Vernon was an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball fan and followed as many games as possible. An exceptional green thumb gave him bragging rights to bountiful vegetable gardens, fruit trees and exquisite roses, which he shared with all his friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed.

Vernon married Betty Jean Smith on Nov. 27, 1947 in Piggott, Ark. She preceded him in death on Jan. 26, 2013 after celebrating 65 years of marriage.

Survivors include his sister, Doris Marie Ham of Qulin; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. His nephew Calvin “Bub” Ham will officiate. A final military drive-by salute will take place at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff followed with the burial and full military honors at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Final Military Drive-by Salute at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center following Funeral Service