Mr. Johnson died Wednesday, July 9, 2003, at Illini Hospital, Silvis.
He was born Oct. 13, 1942, in Rock Island, son of Larry Johnson and Etta Mae Holland Strickland. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era and was honorably discharged June 12, 1967.
He was a member of The Jesus Church of the Quad Cities, formerly Whole Truth Tabernacle, Richard L. Plunk, pastor.
Early in life, Benton worked for Alcoa, Riverdale, and was a mail carrier for East Moline USPS. Benton then was employed by Sears Roebuck as a display manager for 13 years and finally was lead custodian for Davenport Community Schools for 11 years.
Mr. Johnson was a talented artist and poet. He enjoyed golf and was loved by all he met. Benton was a dedicated father and friend. Benton's love and faith in Jesus comforted him during his last days.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Shonda and Paul Rummel, East Moline; sons, Benton K. II, East Moline, Aaron L. and Adam R., Moline; parents, Larry Johnson, Chicago, and Etta Mae Strickland, East Moline; sisters, Marlene Thomas, East Moline, Brenda Monroe, Rock Island, Anita Strickland-Reams, West Palm Beach, Fla., Twyla Strickland, Rock Island, Carol Strickland, Hammond, Ind., Inez Johnson, Chicago, and Lori White, Detroit, Mich.; brothers, Robert Strickland, East Moline, Kevin Strickland, El Paso, Texas, Kent Strickland, East Moline, Sylvester Perry, Milan, Paul Love, Kalamazoo, Mich., Larry Johnson, Moreno Valley, Calif., Frederick Johnson, Marshall, Texas, Richard Johnson, Riverside, Calif., and Mario Harris, Lynwood, Ill.; and special friends, Treva Johnson, Rock Island, and Blanche Muhammad, East Moline.