1922
John
2016
John Benton DeWees
January 25, 1922 — December 1, 2016
John Benton DeWees was born the youngest of ten children on January 25, 1922 in Endee, New Mexico. He was the son of John Benton DeWees Sr. and Cora Belle Kirkham DeWees, who came to New Mexico from Oklahoma in 1908 in a covered wagon to homestead.
Benton went to school thru the eighth grade in Endee until his family moved to Tucumcari, NM. He attended high school and worked at Dennis Clothing until he graduated in 1939. World War II started and, being extremely patriotic, he enlisted in the Army on October 9, 1940 and began active service in January 1941. Benton served with the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion in Ireland, North Africa and Italy. He was proud to have served his country receiving a Purple Heart with an Honorable Discharge.
After his five years of service, he came home to the love of his life who had been awaiting his safe return. Benton married Viola, seventy-one years ago, on August 24, in Tucumcari, NM. The marriage produced three children, Larry (Judi) DeWees, Nancy (Scott) Curtis and George DeWees.
In 1951 Benton moved his family to Largo Canyon for three years, transferred to Albuquerque and in 1954 came to Farmington. Benton started his own business, DeWees Tool and Supply, and it was always his pride and joy.
During his long beautiful life he was able to travel extensively with his constant companion and dear friends. There were travels to Europe, Hawaii, Panama, British Columbia, and Costa Rica. His favorite place was the winter months in San Carlos, Mexico. Enjoying the fishing in the ocean and watching sunsets from their casita. When no longer able to travel, he spent many hours on his screened porch that he built with his own hands. There he enjoying his fountain, feeding his birds, and remembering fond memories with his sweetheart at his side.
Benton loved his grandchildren: Dallas (Bridgette) and Denver (Amy) DeWees, Jason (Lindsay) and Morgan Curtis, and Chanel Carpenter (Brad). His great grandchildren are Bodee and Chloee DeWees, Samantha DeWees, Shayne, Ryley, and Brody Curtis, Mackenzie Carpenter and Kaleb Slack.
Most of all he loved Viola his bride of 71 years. She will miss him but is so thankful he is in heaven waiting on her. We will all see you soon, Dad!
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in Benton's name.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 8th, 2016 at Mountain Vista Baptist Church, 4401 Wildflower Mesa Dr., Farmington NM at 10:00 AM.
Officiated by: John Preston and Denver DeWees
Please join us for lunch, after the service, in the fellowship hall.
Benton's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington. (505)325-8688.
Benton went to school thru the eighth grade in Endee until his family moved to Tucumcari, NM. He attended high school and worked at Dennis Clothing until he graduated in 1939. World War II started and, being extremely patriotic, he enlisted in the Army on October 9, 1940 and began active service in January 1941. Benton served with the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion in Ireland, North Africa and Italy. He was proud to have served his country receiving a Purple Heart with an Honorable Discharge.
After his five years of service, he came home to the love of his life who had been awaiting his safe return. Benton married Viola, seventy-one years ago, on August 24, in Tucumcari, NM. The marriage produced three children, Larry (Judi) DeWees, Nancy (Scott) Curtis and George DeWees.
In 1951 Benton moved his family to Largo Canyon for three years, transferred to Albuquerque and in 1954 came to Farmington. Benton started his own business, DeWees Tool and Supply, and it was always his pride and joy.
During his long beautiful life he was able to travel extensively with his constant companion and dear friends. There were travels to Europe, Hawaii, Panama, British Columbia, and Costa Rica. His favorite place was the winter months in San Carlos, Mexico. Enjoying the fishing in the ocean and watching sunsets from their casita. When no longer able to travel, he spent many hours on his screened porch that he built with his own hands. There he enjoying his fountain, feeding his birds, and remembering fond memories with his sweetheart at his side.
Benton loved his grandchildren: Dallas (Bridgette) and Denver (Amy) DeWees, Jason (Lindsay) and Morgan Curtis, and Chanel Carpenter (Brad). His great grandchildren are Bodee and Chloee DeWees, Samantha DeWees, Shayne, Ryley, and Brody Curtis, Mackenzie Carpenter and Kaleb Slack.
Most of all he loved Viola his bride of 71 years. She will miss him but is so thankful he is in heaven waiting on her. We will all see you soon, Dad!
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in Benton's name.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 8th, 2016 at Mountain Vista Baptist Church, 4401 Wildflower Mesa Dr., Farmington NM at 10:00 AM.
Officiated by: John Preston and Denver DeWees
Please join us for lunch, after the service, in the fellowship hall.
Benton's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington. (505)325-8688.
Service Details
Thursday, December 8th, 2016 10:00am, Mountain Vista Baptist Church
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