Benton D. Bloom

Mr. Benton Duvall Bloom, Farmington passed away at his residence Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at the age of 91 years. He was born in Ste. Genevieve Co., MO., June 6, 1923, to Sidney Bernard & Etta Mary (Duvall) Bloom. Also preceding Benton in death were: his wife, Ruby Irene (Head) Bloom, and 11 sisters & brothers: Gretchen Patterson, Gretta Smitherman, John Bloom, Audell Richey, Ted Bloom, Gertrude Maddy, Stella Perry, Glenna Miller, Alline Haught, Margaret Seibel & Paul Bloom.

Benton grew up during the depression in Ste. Genevieve County, helping his father in the family sawmill business. On Feb. 23, 1943, at the age of 19, he joined the US Army & proudly served his country in the 5th Army, 2nd Armored Division, 752nd Tank Battalion, serving in North Africa & the Italian Theater during World War II. He was the recipient of 4 Bronze Stars, a Distinguished Unit Badge, a EAME Theater Ribbon, a Victory Medal, an Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and a Good Conduct Medal. After being honorably discharged from the Army on Jan. 17, 1947, he came back home and began working in the construction business, operating heavy equipment. He was a member of the Local #513 Operating Engineers & retired after 40 years working in that field. He was also a longtime member of Coffman Baptist Church in Coffman, Missouri.

Survivors Include: his children, Doug (and Teri) Bloom, of Farmington; Ben (and Pam) Bloom, of Springfield, Missouri; Cathy (and Terry) Hawn, of Farmington; and Jim (and Carolyn) Bloom, of Farmington. He is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation : Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. Visitation resumes Wednesday at 6:30 a.m.

Funeral : Wednesday, 1:00 p.m., January 21, 2015

at : TAYLOR Funeral Service CHAPEL, with Rev. Irvin Brooks officiating.

LeadBelt Patriot Guard Riders will lead the funeral procession to Hillview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Farmington

For burial with Full Military Honors

Memorials to : * Whitewater Christian Cemetery &/or * American Cancer Society