Benton M. Johnson

PLEASANT HILL, LA--Funeral services honoring the life of a true cowboy, Benton Middleton Johnson, 74, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill, LA. Rev. Dean Johnson will be officiating with Rev. Lynn Burkett assisting. Burial will follow at Spring Ridge Cemetery in Pleasant Hill. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday, May 7, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service. Benton was born October 25, 1943, in Pleasant Hill, LA to Robert Melvin Johnson and Betty Lois Middleton Johnson. He passed away on May 4, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. Benton Johnson, also known as "Pa", "Pa Benton" or "Uncle Benton" was one of the best cattlemen and horsemen to ever live. The young farmer and rancher got his start in 4-H and FFA raising show calves and show pigs then started raising horses. After graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 1961, he went into farming full time. In 1961, Johnson won the State Livestock Farming Award and was also elected vice-president of the State FFA Organization. In May of 1969 he made his first large purchase and went into the dairy operation. He started raising soybeans as well and increased his farming business every year. In 1972, he was selected by the Louisiana Farm Bureau as the Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher in Sabine Parish at the age of 29. He shared his love and knowledge of cattle and horses with his family and close friends. Benton spent many years competing in rodeos where he rode bulls and team roped. During his days of judging at rodeos he was always fair and fellow cowboys respected him. He was honored to be inducted into the Louisiana Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Fame in 2010. In the early 90s, he joined and became an active member with the Sabine Parish Fair Board (currently Sabine Fair and Rodeo) and later became President, an honor and privilege in which he holds to this day.During his days on the board, he was instrumental in organizing Sabine Parish's first riding club known as Cinch Up. He always felt it was important to keep kids busy in hopes of keeping them out of trouble and teaching them to be responsible, something he learned at an early age. Even in sickness he never missed a rodeo, cow show, or any chance to support his family. Benton enjoyed visiting and drinking coffee with his friends at the local Golden's, H&L and Dairy Delight and always had a smile on his face. He was one of the most welcoming and loving people you would ever meet and if you did meet him it didn't take long for one to realize his family was his pride and joy. Benton was an honest man and believed in keeping your word. To him, a hand shake sealed the deal. Not only did Benton love his family, but he loved and supported the community. He was always eager to give a donation or attend an Eagles' basketball game. Benton had a special place in his heart for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and helped organize trail riding events to raise money for the cause. As a child and for many years he was a member of First Baptist Church of Pleasant Hill. He joined, and remained until his death, Emmanuel Baptist Church in 2011 and was an active member. Preceding Benton in death were both of his parents; brothers Robert Glynn Johnson, David Lloyd Johnson, and Trentice Van Johnson; and sister Yvonne Rogers. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his son Benton Todd Johnson and wife Tonya of Shreveport (children Benton Stran Johnson and Sage W. Johnson); his daughter Traci Johnson of Pleasant Hill (son Cade Johnson), and daughter Jill Britt and husband Chad of Pleasant Hill (children Madeline and Jake Britt); his stepson Jeff Farmer and wife Deb of Marthaville (daughter Tori Merriman and husband Brandon and son Branson Merriman); his stepdaughter Jodie Jamison and husband Phillip of Shreveport (children Jacolby Garcie and Ella-Grace Jamison); his sisters Linda Scaife and Emily Dillard; special friend Alvin "Bay Bay" Bruce; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Honoring Benton as pallbearers will be Alvin "Bay Bay" Bruce, Craig Richardson, Danny Richardson, Ronny Richardson, Harold Pardee, Jack Sanders, and Brad Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Pat Sepulvado, Hugh Hardee, Sonny Hardee, Doyle Stockton, Jerry Salley, Jimmy Golden, and Nolan Patrick. The family would to say a special thank you to Superior Hospice, especially Laura Farmer for being so kind to Benton during his last days. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Sabine Fair and Rodeo.