EAST MONTPELIER - Thomas W. Benton, 65, passed away June 26, 2006, at his home in East Montpelier. He was born in Springfield, July 20, 1940, the son of Francis W. and Leona (Plamondon) Benton.

He was a 1958 graduate of Springfield High School and a graduate of Johnson State College with a degree in education. He taught for many years in the Montpelier public school system, retiring in 1995.

Tom loved gardening, reading and traveling. He was a beloved brother, uncle and a wonderful friend. He also devoted time to volunteer work in the Montpelier area.

Survivors include his mother of Springfield; two brothers, F Richard Benton of Springfield and Stephen M Benton of Weathersfield; two nephews, James R Benton of Springfield and John M Benton of North Springfield; a niece, Marie L Wright of Springfield; and a close friend, Sidney Partridge of Concord, VT. 

There will be no services. Friends may donate to the Montpelier Food Pantry, 137 Main Street, Montpelier, VT, 05602.

Date: July 11, 2006
Publication: Rutland Herald (VT)

On May 17, 2009 Tom's brother, Dick, provided the balance of the partial obituary I had for Tom. He also told me, "Having "No Services" was a request that Tom had put in his Will. He wanted to be cremated and not have a big to do. We have spread his ashes in different areas that we knew he loved and are now putting in a tree on our front lawn in his memory and will also spread some of his ashes around it."