Lester Lee Benton, 90, passed away at home with his family at his side on August 30th, 2017.

Lester was born in Brewster Florida in 1927. He joined the Navy at age 17 in 1944 and was involved with the Normandy Invasion. Six years later, Lester left the U.S. Navy and enlisted into the U.S. Army, Quartermaster Corps. The day after getting married in 1950, the Korean War broke out and he left for Korea doing two 18 month tours of duty. After the war, Lester and his family were stationed at many different Army posts around the world. His last duty assignment was at Fort Monroe where he retired as a Sergeant First Class in 1965 with 21 years of military service. He entered Civil Service and retired in 1990 from the Naval Supply Center. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Korean War Veterans, Tidewater Chapter. He spent much time collecting donations to help built the Korean War monument that stands beside the Hampton Police Station.

Lester was preceded in death by his loving wife, Catherine Benton, married 67 years. He is survived by his two sons, Les Benton (Candy) of Hampton, John Benton of Hampton and daughter Margaret Benton-Jones (Robert) of York County.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated by Rev Mr. Jose Gonzales at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hampton VA, on Wednesday September 6th at 10:30 AM, followed by a private inurnment at St. Joan of Arc.

"Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away"