Steve died February 8, 2015 in Lubbock, Texas. He was born November 17, 1940 in San Angelo, Texas to Ruble and Frances (Stevens) Benton. He married Paula Kerby in Muleshoe on March 5, 1993.

A native of Wall, Texas, Steve kept his hands busy and his heart happy working the soil, tending sheep, working with wood and providing pecans and vegetables for others to enjoy. Steve moved to Muleshoe from Eden, Texas in 1993. He served on the Eden CISD school board and Concho County Farm Bureau board in Eden. He was formerly a member of the Eden First Baptist Church and was an active member of the 16th & D Church of Christ in Muleshoe until his death. He enjoyed collecting guns and knives and loved John Deere tractors. But more than anything, Steve loved his grandkids and great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, John Mark Benton. He will be remembered as Steve, Gampy, Grandad, Dad, "brother," friend and pecan man.

Survivors include, his wife, Paula; three sons, Joe Dan Tarter and his wife, Candy of Llano, Texas, David F. Benton II of Glen Burnie, Maryland and Robert D. Benton and his wife, Elizabeth of Bethesda, Maryland; two daughters, Vandi Treider and her husband, Stan of Lazbuddie, Texas, Emilee Benton Trlica and her husband, Scott of New Braunfels, Texas; twelve grandchildren, Cory Chancy and his wife, KC, Clay Tarter, Eli Benton, Kyle Tarter, Olivia Benton, Sam Benton, Mark Trlica, Peter Benton, Kyla Trlica, Georgia Benton, Ila Grace Combs, and Sydnee Trlica; and five great-grandchildren, Kaleb Martinez, Jonathan Martinez, Nathan Martinez, Kaylee Chancey and Brantley Chancey.

Donations may be sent to the New Mexico Christian Children's Home, 1356 New Mexico 236, Portales, New Mexico, 88130. Online condolences can be made at www.ellisfuneralhomes.com.

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