Keith Benton Arnold III

Keith Benton Arnold III, 19, passed away on August 19, 2014 at his home in Austin, Texas. Benton was born in Austin Texas on February 12, 1995 to Keith Benton Arnold and Shari Weckerly Arnold, and welcomed by his one older “Sissy,” Elizabeth Arnold. Benton attended Highland Park Elementary School,

Lamar Middle School, and graduated from Anderson High School in 2013 with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. Benton was a Sophomore at Texas A&M University. Benton was known as a loyal friend with a kind heart and a devilish sense of humor. He always knew how to put a positive light on difficult situations. His top priority was strong relationships with his family and friends, and he always made time for everyone in his life. Benton particularly enjoyed spending time with his childhood friends playing games and making adventure. Benton was devoted to his long time girlfriend and love, Olivia Conner.

Benton loved spending time with his family. Together they enjoyed traveling to Europe on several occasions and visiting his grandparent’s farm in North Dakota every summer. He enjoyed the camaraderie of working with the men on the farm and spending time with his cousins. Chad Weckerly, his

eldest cousin, was a mentor and a dear friend to Benton. Benton also enjoyed hunting with his family and especially his cousin Clayton Spears on the family farm in Vernon, Texas. When spending time together, Benton and his father enjoyed fishing and boxing, as well as working on cars and motorcycles.

Benton was involved in Boy Scouts with his father, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. His Eagle Scout project was building chicken coops for an impoverished community in Reynosa, Mexico. Benton had many lifelong friends in Boy Scout troop 410. They bonded on many campouts and adventures, including Philmont Scout Camp and hiking through the Swiss Alps. He felt fortunate to have his parents as chaperones in Switzerland, where he encouraged his mother, Shari, to keep up with the boys. Benton was an accomplished high school wrestler and played saxaphone in the marching band.

He was a Sophomore at Texas A&M University at the time of his death. A passionate Aggie, he was a proud member of the Texas A&M Corp of Cadets. Benton developed an especially strong bond with his fellow cadets in Squadron Four The Four Aces. He was a leader on the bonfire crew and an active member of the Texas A&M wrestling team.

A viewing will be held at CookWalden

funeral home, 6100 N Lamar, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday evening, August 22nd.

There will be a funeral service in Benton’s honor at Hyde Park Baptist Church, 3901 Speedway, on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 10 a.m., followed by a gathering.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to:

Boy Scouts of America Armadillo District in Benton’s honor or Hendricks Home for Children, in Abilene Texas