Oliver P. Benton

Oliver Proctor Benton, 79, from Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away unexpectedly at Oklahoma City Heart Hospital on September 2nd with his wife and daughters by his side. 

He was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Robert Proctor and Irma Jeanne (Abbott) Benton on September 1, 1943. He attended school at St. Benedict’s Catholic School and St. Gregory’s High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma graduating in 1961. After graduating, he worked for Safeway Grocery as a Stocker and progressed up to Assistant Manager before starting his 30 year career at Tinker Air Force Base in 1965. At Tinker Air Force Base, he worked as a Warehouseman before retiring in 1995 as a System’s Analyst. 

Strong in his faith, Oliver was an active and lifelong member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. He donated his time and talents as a handyman to the Church and to Calvary Cemetery.

Oliver was a loving and selfless father of two daughters, Angela Marie (Benton) Duggan and Holly Kay (Benton) Robertson. He married the love of his life, Sammye Sue Magness, on March 2, 1981 at the Candlelight Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. He devoted his energy and love toward his partner in life for 41 years, whether it was traveling or devoting time together with those they cared about. 

He was a man for many, whether one called him Father, Papa, Great-Pa, Uncle O or friend. He was a singular shining example of kindness, compassion, and source of unending love. After retiring, his focus centered around the activities of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and best friends, Bob and Norma Lemmon, all whom loved and admired him.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irma Jeanne Benton; his two brothers and their wives, Bob and Mary Lou Benton of Oklahoma, Billy Jack and Marilyn Benton of Florida; great-grandson, Colt Duggan of Oklahoma; parents-in-law, Sam and Bea Magness of Oklahoma; brother and sister-in-law, Max and Jo Ann Jalufka of Texas; brother-in-law, Charley Magness of Oklahoma; nephew, Gabe Magness of Oklahoma; nephew, Rick Sehon of Oklahoma as well as many other relatives and friends. 

He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Sammye Sue of the home; his two beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Angela and Chris Duggan of Prague, Oklahoma and Holly and Trevor Robertson of Shawnee, Oklahoma; his sister-in-law, Darla Magness of Oklahoma; grandchildren (great-grandchildren), Zack and Robin Duggan (Aubrey, Natalie), Jake Duggan (Eli), Eden Underwood, Ryan Westerhoff, Avery and Cole Payne; niece and family, Shay Lynn Sehon (Casey Jo, Chas, Cydney and Bradford [Nora, Nash]). 

He is also survived by his three sisters, Darlene Dale of Georgia, Rhita Buskirk of Oklahoma, Diana and Frank Hoff of Oklahoma as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins too many to list. 

Wake service has been set for Wednesday evening, September 7th at 6:30 p.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church with the funeral Mass set for Thursday, September 8th at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Shawnee, Oklahoma.