Benton L. Sours

Benton L. Sours, 91, of Midvale, died peacefully on Saturday, November 24, 2012 in his home while surrounded by his family.

A son of the late Elmer and Grace (Miller) Sours, Benton was born March 20, 1921 at Luray, Virginia.

Benton attended Midvale Schools and then enlisted with the United States Navy. During his service to his country, Benton was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II.

He was employed as a truck driver for many years and was recognized for driving more than two million miles during his career. Benton would eventually retire from Alsco at Gnadenhutten in 1984. He was a life member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 and a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia.

He is survived by his children, Janet (Richard) Loughrey, Karen Schwartz Burris, Benton “Skip” Sours II and Cindi (Eric) Yoder all of New Philadelphia; a daughter-in-law, Jeanie of Uhrichsville; his grandchildren, Troy (Marilyn) Hurst who were also his caregivers for the past three years, Kimberly (Bret) Link, Leslie (Doug) Karl, Jay (Lisa) Schwartz, Chad (Trudy) Schwartz, Rick Schwartz, Cassie (Jim) Williams, Rob (Melissa) Sours and Bethanie Yoder; 15 great grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; 7 step great-great grandchildren and his siblings, Nina Sours, David Sours, Elva Johnson, Frances (David) Day, George (Sandy) Sours and Martha Hobart.

Benton was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Virginia (Roache) Sours who passed away on July 4, 1947; his second wife, Janice (Everett) Sours who passed away on August 16, 1995; a daughter, Linda Lou Sours and a brother, Charles Sours.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Benton’s life will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Steven Patrick officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia where military honors will be rendered. A luncheon will follow in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia following the committal service.

Contributions may be made in Benton’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.