Phillip Eugene "Gene" Benton passed away peacefully, October 7, 2011,surrounded by his loving family, and now embraces the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth, as they ballroom dance together once more united in Heaven.Gene was born May 30, 1941. Originally from Bangs, Texas,and known for his humor and wit, he will be missed by his large family and friends. He grew up in Brown, Coleman, and San Saba counties, as the second of eight children. In 1962 he married his beloved, Mary Baker, and had two children - Laurin McIvor of Raton, New Mexico; and Gregory Benton of Mashpee, Massachusetts. They were married for 44 years and last resided in New Mexico, until her death in 2006. Gene lived a fun-filled life. He was an accomplished ballroom dancer, was once the Exalted Ruler at his local Elks club, had been both a traveler and an excellent cook, and had shared his wisdom with those who loved him. He was affectionately known by both his employees, and regular customers at Subway of Mashpee, as “Grandpa”.Gene was preceded in death by his father, Gearld Benton; his mother, Dessie Muriel Brice; his brother Jerry Benton, and sister-in-law Becky Benton and many other loving family members. He is survived by his children, Laurin McIvor and husband Robert, Greg Benton and wife Lysa, and will be dearly missed by his six loving grandchildren, Shannon, Danial, Jordan, Zackery, Kyle, and William.He leaves fondest memories behind with his step-mother, Waldine Benton of New Braunfels, Texas; and his six siblings, Steve Benton and wife, Carla of Jarrell, Texas; Mike Benton of Cleburne, Texas; Shirley McEwin and husband, Clint of Santa Anna, Texas; Patsy Salas and husband, Roy of McKinney, Texas; Sabre Abbott and husband, Guy of San Angelo, Texas; Judy Adams and husband, Dean of New Braunfels, Texas; sister-in-law Shirley Benton of Richland Springs, Texas; his aunts, Wanda Greer of Brownwood, Texas; and Bobby Benton of Santa Anna, Texas; and their families, all from Texas. Following his wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers or cards, donations in Gene’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate.Phillip Eugene "Gene" Benton passed away peacefully, October 7, 2011,surrounded by his loving family, and now embraces the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth, as they ballroom dance together once more united in Heaven.Gene was born May 30, 1941. Originally from Bangs, Texas,and known for his humor and wit, he will be missed by his large family and friends. He grew up in Brown, Coleman, and San Saba counties, as the second of eight children. In 1962 he married his beloved, Mary Baker, and had two children - Laurin McIvor of Raton, New Mexico; and Gregory Benton of Mashpee, Massachusetts. They were married for 44 years and last resided in New Mexico, until her death in 2006. Gene lived a fun-filled life. He was an accomplished ballroom dancer, was once the Exalted Ruler at his local Elks club, had been both a traveler and an excellent cook, and had shared his wisdom with those who loved him. He was affectionately known by both his employees, and regular customers at Subway of Mashpee, as “Grandpa”.Gene was preceded in death by his father, Gearld Benton; his mother, Dessie Muriel Brice; his brother Jerry Benton, and sister-in-law Becky Benton and many other loving family members. He is survived by his children, Laurin McIvor and husband Robert, Greg Benton and wife Lysa, and will be dearly missed by his six loving grandchildren, Shannon, Danial, Jordan, Zackery, Kyle, and William.He leaves fondest memories behind with his step-mother, Waldine Benton of New Braunfels, Texas; and his six siblings, Steve Benton and wife, Carla of Jarrell, Texas; Mike Benton of Cleburne, Texas; Shirley McEwin and husband, Clint of Santa Anna, Texas; Patsy Salas and husband, Roy of McKinney, Texas; Sabre Abbott and husband, Guy of San Angelo, Texas; Judy Adams and husband, Dean of New Braunfels, Texas; sister-in-law Shirley Benton of Richland Springs, Texas; his aunts, Wanda Greer of Brownwood, Texas; and Bobby Benton of Santa Anna, Texas; and their families, all from Texas. Following his wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers or cards, donations in Gene’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate.