Robert Howard "Coach" Benton, Sr

Robert Howard "Coach" Benton, Sr., age 71, of Bunkie

Funeral services for Robert Benton will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2011 in the chapel of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie with Phil Rayburn officiating. Burial will follow in the Bayou Rouge Baptist Cemetery in Evergreen. Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie.

Mr. Benton, age 71 of Bunkie, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. Coach was a retired school teacher and football coach. One of his favorite things to do was fishing with his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph Homer and Viola Breeland Benton.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Joann Hall Benton of Bunkie; one son, Robert “Bubba” Benton and wife Amy of Baton Rouge; three daughters, Tracy Rayburn and husband Phil of West Monroe, Tammy Spencer and husband Troy of Bunkie, and Paige Douzart and husband Jody of Bunkie; one brother, Homer Benton of Summit, Mississippi; two sisters, Marjorie McDaniel of McComb, Mississippi, and Norma Bowlin of Summit, Mississippi; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie. Online condolences may be sent to www.hixson-ducote.com