CHESTER — The town is ready to say goodbye to "The Colonel."
The life of Col. Richardson Benton will be remembered in a service July 4 at the Chester Congregational Baptist Church. Col. Benton died on May 29 at the age of 93 in San Diego, Calif.
The Colonel had moved to the West Coast five years ago to live near his son, Richard, but had spent decades calling Chester home, participating in many civic activities and causes, and supporting programs with his time, money and being a voice of pride and dedication to the town, his state and the country.
According to the Rev. Beverly Lindsey of the Chester Congregational Baptist Church, Col. Benton had his own service planned ahead of time and knew exactly what he wanted for a proper send off.
"The family wants it to be upbeat," Lindsey said. "They want people to wear comfortable clothing, not suits and ties."
The service will include special patriotic music provided by choir members and special friends from the community, and other special touches Col. Benton wanted in place for his service, including military honors afterward at the town's Revolutionary War Memorial.
Lindsey said it will be a wonderful tribute to the man who cared so much about the town, but a simple service, too.
The service begins at 10 a.m. in the church.
