Robert "Bob" Benton

Bob Benton was born in 1927 to a large, hardworking, share cropping family in Lexington, OK.  He made it thru the 9th grade before he had to make his way in the world.  His first job outside the farm was as a dishwasher at a café in Norman.  This set the tone for the rest of his working life. In 1945 WWII was happening and he joined the Army.  During his stint in the Army, he refined the cooking skills learned from his Mother.  It was his skills at cutting meat into the right cut of steak that caught the attention of the higher ups.  He spent the rest of the war cooking for the officers. In 1947 Bob completed his service and moved to Shawnee.  Troy Smith helped him get his first jobs working at the Grand and the Country Club. It was while washing dishes at the Country Club he met and married the loved of his life, Thelma Nichols. Bob and Thelma started their first business, The Hamburger Castle, in 1949. Thru hard work and learning from mistakes, they eventually opened Benton’s Café.  The café moved to its current location in 1971. Bob and Thelma retired twice and during their retirement traveled the world. Bob bought a farm, where he greatly enjoyed watching his cattle and playing on the tractor.  One of the highlights in his day was shooting the bull at the coffee shop. Thru all his success, Bob’s greatest joy was his family.  He took great pride in his 5 wonderful daughters, Nancy, Kristine, Diane, Linda and Beth.  He was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.  Basketball season was his favorite time of the  year and he always enjoyed cheering his kids on. He was preceded in death with his wife, Thelma Benton, and daughter Kristine Drummond. Survivors include his daughters, Nancy Wright, Diane Hogue, Linda White, Beth and V.A. Hatley; 13 Grandchildren and 27 Great-Grandchildren; and one Sister: Imogene Wilcox.Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 12 at Sharon Baptist Church with Rev. Clint Dawkins officiating.  Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park.   The family will be at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with friends and family.