Carl Benton
Carl Benton
Carl Benton
Carl Benton
Carl Benton
Carl Benton

Obituary of Carl Benton

Carl Webber Benton "Coach", born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, passed away at age 91 on Thursday, June 20, 2013 in Boise, Idaho. He was a true Southern Gentleman to the end. Coach was a personable, soft spoken Southerner who was greatly admired by his family, colleagues, students, and fellow athletes. As a dedicated, generous, family-focused man, he lit up the room with his charismatic personality, sense of humor, love of sports, and descriptive story-telling. Carl was born to Felix and Mary Benton on August 13, 1921. As a student at Mobile's Murphy High School (1937-1940), Carl demonstrated his true athleticism by lettering in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was selected to the Mobile All-City team in football and basketball, and also made All-State in basketball. Carl then enrolled in Northwestern Louisiana State in 1941 and lettered in football, basketball, and track. After two years, Carl transferred to Southwestern Louisiana and continued to compete successfully in sports. During his college years, Carl served with the US Marine Corps during World War II, and then attended UCLA in 1946. He played quarterback and defensive back during the Bruin's undefeated regular season, later playing in the Rose Bowl. In 1947 he was selected for the All-Star team playing in the Hula Bowl game where he was elected team captain, threw five touchdowns, and was voted the MVP. Carl also competed for UCLA in discus and pole vaulting during the NCAA Track & Field Championship in 1947. Carl received his B.S. degree from UCLA in 1947, and joined San Diego State University in 1948 where he trained teachers and coached both football and basketball. During this time he coached with and built several long-lasting friendships with many individuals, including Don Coryell, George Ziegenfuss, and John Madden. He went on to later earn both his Master's Degree, and Doctorate in Education. In addition to his WW II service, Carl also served with the US Marine Corps in the Korean War, earning Honorable Separation from Active Service after 5 years and another 22 years in the Reserves. Carl retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1981. In 1983, Carl was appointed to the National Faculty of the United States Sports Academy, and later inducted into the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. Carl retired from San Diego State after 35 years, and continued to teach as an adjunct professor through 2002. Carl often said the greatest thing that ever happened was his marriage to Darlene "Dee Dee" Laughery in June 1950. He loved to share stories about Dee Dee's accomplishments as a National Baton Twirling Champion, Head Majorette at SDSU, and twirler for the LA Rams. Most importantly, Carl and Dee Dee shared 60 years of love, marriage, and family. He was thoroughly devoted to and so very proud of daughters Kelli and Lori, and grandson Ryan. An avid athlete and sports fan, Coach always delighted in the achievements of his family, and as their biggest supporter, encouraged their athleticism and personal and professional successes. Carl and Dee Dee moved from San Diego to Boise in 2004, and he was thrilled to welcome Ryan's wife Debbie into the family in 2007. Here Carl was happy to be near his family again, and cultivated a love of the Boise State Broncos - he thoroughly enjoyed meeting Coach Pete and the football team. Carl meant the world to Dee Dee, Kelli, Lori and Ryan, and is fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Carl's accomplishments were many in addition to his military service and involvement in education and athletics. For 50 years, he organized and conducted the "Toys for Tots" Christmas campaign at SDSU. He was also the founder of the SDSU "PGA" (Professor's Golf Association) which remained popular for over 30 years. Coach was the co-founder of the volunteer committee at the San Diego Hall of Champion, and co-founder and first president of the San Diego High School Coaches Association. He served as President and long-time board member of the Sports Association of San Diego County. Carl also received Distinguished Service Awards from local and state California Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; San Diego Hall of Champions, San Diego State University School of Education; and the Sports Association of San Diego County. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Mary; stepmother, Elizabeth; brothers, Jack and Dick; sisters, Alice and Ellen; and beloved wife, Dee Dee Benton. He is survived by sister, Betty Chenoweth; daughters, Kelli Hall and Lori Benton; and grandson, Ryan Hall and his wife Debbie. A Celebration of Coach's Life will be held at his daughter, Kelli's, home, Sunday, July 7, 2013 at 5:00 pm at 5852 N Wellspring Ave, Boise, Idaho 83713. A military memorial service celebrating and remembering Coach will be held at 3:00 pm, Monday, July 8, 2013 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise, Idaho. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family on Coach's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.
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