Rodney Benton

Rodney Lawrence Benton, 58, of Higginsville, MO, left his Earthly life for Eternal life on December 26, 2022, at his home. He was the son of Travis and Betty (Bass) Benton and was born on May 8, 1964, in Honolulu, HI, at Tripler Army Hospital. He graduated from Lafayette County C-1 High School in 1982 in which he was a member of the 1982 Final Four basketball team which was inducted into the high school Hall of Fame and was a member of the varsity football team for 3 years. Rodney worked for Maytag in Hartford, Connecticut from 1989-1992. He also worked for FedEx until he was injured on the job. Rodney was an amazing son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and friend. He was known as the “Fisherman of the Family”, knowing every detail from bait, type of fish line, and pole to use. He was the self-proclaimed “Terminator and Bass Master”, but that didn’t stop there. He was a master chef with his frequently requested famous fried fish. Rodney took pride in teaching all who came in his path his unique skills and knowledge of fishing. The fish stories are endless. Let’s remember his passion for finding good deals on everything possible. He took particular joy in blessing all with unique gifts he had come across just because it was such a deal he could not pass up. Rodney was a very loving and thoughtful soul that will truly be missed and never forgotten. Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Travis and Betty Benton of Higginsville; nine siblings, Marsha Benton of San Antonio, TX, Travis (Susan) Benton, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Gregory Benton of West Chester, OH, Anita Pollard of Independence, MO, Joy (Allen) Skeens of Lenexa, KS, Victor Benton of Sedalia, MO, Sidney (Kay) Benton of Blue Springs, MO, Desiree Benton of Higginsville, and Skyler Benton of Blue Springs. He also leaves behind Diane Mauro of St. Charles, MO; daughter, Rochelle (Douglas) Hunter and five grandchildren, Masiya, Sayvion, Serenidy, Jazlyn, and Jaxxson of Dallas, TX; daughter, Camille (Elvis) Paulino and two grandchildren, Elvis III and Amora of San Diego, CA; son, Matavai Asaeli and three grandchildren, Matavai Jr, Uriah, and Khole of Tacoma, WA; and son, Blake Lee Joseph Benton of St. Charles, MO; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives, and friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, MO, 64037. He will be lying in repose for viewing from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 7, 2022, at the Lafayette County C-1 High School Gymnasium. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Bishop William Thompson officiating, Rev. Evelyn Elmore as vocalist and Bruce Kerr as musician. Honorary officiant, Tyrone Thirkield. A repast will directly follow the funeral at the Higginsville American Legion. Casket bearers: Matavai Asaeli, Allice Benton, Blake Benton, Sidney Benton, Travis Benton Jr., Victor Benton, Tommy Wegener, Brent Wolfenbarger. Honorary bearers: Marvin Champion, Gregory Benton, Skyler Benton, Douglas Hunter, Elvis Paulino II, all nieces, and all nephews. Memorials may be made out to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, ATTN: Rodney Benton Memorial, 1600 N. Main St. Higginsville, MO 64037. Memorials will be distributed according to Rodney’s wishes.

Rodney Benton

May 8, 1964 - December 26, 2022