Mack James Benton, age 78, passed away October 9, 2024, at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD, after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Mack was born August 30, 1946, to Thad and Alberta Benton in Chadron, NE.  He grew up with five brothers and one sister, George; John; Tony; Roger: Donald and Tina.  His work as an ILS technician took him to airports all over the U.S. and he lived in Edgemont, SD; Hot Springs; SD; Lyman, WY and Evanston, WY.  Upon retirement his heart brought him back to Hot Springs.

In 1964, he enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard and in 1968 he was transferred to active duty with the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War as a supply armorer.  He received numerous medals and was issued an honorable discharge in 1970.

On December 28, 2002, he married Becki Witt in Hot Springs.  They combined their two large families into one, which included six children, Joseph Benton; Tamera Sylvester; Jason Benton; Crystal Bossert; Sid Tyon; Brandon Tyon; fourteen grandchildren, Ashely, Jessica; Chantille; John; Syvaniah; Tallulah, Christopher; Kyle; Kim; Kaylee; Nathan; Alyssa; Trey; Ryker and also many great grandchildren.

Mack was proud to be a member of the American Legion and became a life member of 32 years.  He was also a member of the Elks; VFW and Ducks Unlimited.

Prior to his illness, Mack enjoyed hunting, fishing and a twirl on the dance floor with his beautiful wife.  He loved to pull the occasional practical joke on friends and family; watching old western shows/movies and listening to old country music.  Some of the new stuff was okay too.

Mack is preceded in death by his father and mother; his wife, Becki; his son, Joseph; brothers, George; Tony and great granddaughter, Haley.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Tunnel to Towers    Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)

Visitation willl be held 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Chamberlain McColleys Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD with committal service following at Edgemont, SD.