Obituary for Teddy "Bear" Benton

Teddy "Bear" Benton, 85, of Brownfield passed away Saturday, July 17, 2010, at his home. Services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Carter officiating. Burial was in Terry County Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Brownfield Funeral Home.

He was born July 18, 1924, to Robert R. and Ethel Benton in Union. He was a World War II, U.S. Navy Veteran. He married Maria Elena Rodriguez December 19, 1975, in Paramount, Calif and served on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department from 1956 to 1979.

His last 16 years were spent at the Academy as a weapons instructor. He was proud to say that "No Benton trainee was ever killed in the line of duty." Over 11,000 cadets passed through the academy during his tenure. He held a national record for shooting six rounds in less than a second for over 20 years. He demonstrated his shooting abilities for dignitaries, scout groups, Marines, foreign police agencies, U.S. Presidents, Saudi Royalties and more. "Bear" retired, but he wasn't through with law enforcement.

He served as Commander for the Reserved Deputies in Terry County under Ralph Murry from 1981-1988. He was a member of the American Legion and active member of Calvary Baptist Church.

"Bear" is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Benton.

He is survived by his wife, Maria; a son, Robert and his wife Janie of Brownfield; a daughter, Linda Benton of Lubbock; four grandchildren, Plutarco Castro, Yesana Castro-Garibaldo, Laura Benton and Debra McDonald; two great-grandchildren, Kristian and Izaiah; two brothers, Bob and his wife Delma of Oklahoma and Bill and his wife Mary of Brownfield; two sisters, Molly Wilmeth of Richmond and Ruth Saldana and husband Richard of Norwalk, Calif.; And numerous nieces and nephews.

"Bear" loved his family, and once he knew you, you became family. He also loved being the center of attention. He used up all 365 days a year of his 85 years.

Brownfield News