Derrick Gene Benton

On April 12, 1959, the world paused for a moment to welcome the arrival of Derrick Gene Benton and, it and we were forever changed. He was born in Chicago, the fourth child to the late Dorothy and Sherman Benton.

Derrick was a quiet child who stayed close to his mother. He had a gentle nature and was never one to provoke discord. Yet, when faced with aggression, Derrick’s tongue was sharp; hands were fast, and his fists were mighty when necessary to defend himself.  His older brothers learned early to minimize roughhousing with Derrick.

He began his education in the Chicago Public School system and concluded in Rockford, Illinois where the family had relocated in the summer of 1969. He developed a love for cars and music, in particular, rhythm and blues. As a typical Chicagoan, blues and soul music were fodder for the ears. BB King, Al Green, and Anthony Hamilton were some of his favorites.

In the late nineties and early 2000’s, when his mother faced health challenges, Derrick relocated with her to Fort Worth, Texas to reside with his oldest brother. He remained a resident of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area for the remainder of his life.

Derrick faced significant health challenges the last two years of his life. He endured all medical procedures deemed necessary to provide a reasonable quality of life. He never complained about his circumstances and postured himself to survive. When asked how he was doing, Derrick would invariably reply, “I’m just trying to make it, trying to make it.” It’s as if he knew his health was tenuous, but his heart was saying “...not my mother, not my father, but me Lord standing in need of prayer.”

Derrick was beloved by medical staff and facility residents. Over the last ten months, Derrick received special love and support from the medical staff at Avir by Lancaster Nursing Home located in Lancaster, Texas. Men teasingly called him “my main man" and, women fawned over their “big daddy.” Derrick sopped it up like delicious gravy.

On the evening of May 7^th, Derrick transitioned to his heavenly home. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Darnell and Charles. Derrick leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory, sister Connie McKnight and brother Marvin (Wilma); two aunts, Aza Brown and Marilyn Brown; an uncle, Forest Byrant; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.