Hoke Edward Benton

Preceding him in death were his parents, WWII Veteran Hoke S. Benton and Ola Mae (Hetzel) Benton, determined mother and teacher, who defied medical professionals in determining the fate of a Down Syndrome child. His life expectancy at birth was twelve years.

Those left to cherish his memory are his cousins, Julianne Jones of Douglasville and Gayle Hetzel of Joplin, Missouri.

Raised in Dekalb County, he attended Scottdale elementary and graduated from Fairhaven School in Decatur as Valedictorian of his graduating class. With this devoted mother, against all odds and limited vision, he learned to read, to write print and cursive, to express himself freely in art and music, and to memorize enormous amounts of historical facts, poems, prayers, and Bible verses.

Active in Church and community activities, he found a passion for bowling which continued in the Special Olympics organization for 43 years in three counties, winning hearts and trophies, prized possessions of great importance. He also gave the best hugs in the world.

When his mother became ill in 2004, resulting in extended nursing care in Anderson, SC, “Mr. B” moved in with his cousin, Julianne, to Douglasville, and there, a bond was formed that would not be broken for nearly 20 years. Initially, to make the change less painful, a cat was rescued from Douglas County animal shelter that smoothed the transition.

For many years, “Joey” was Ed’s constant comfort and companion. That, and a certain DVD – “To America with Love,” by Lawrence Welk, which he insisted on watching every day.

In later years, Ed, quite the patriot, insisted on wearing only black shirts because of Johnny Cash, (picturing the Incredible Hulk,) on making several trips to Wendy’s every week, buying Country Weekly Magazine when it hit the stands, at least one trip to Walmart for a DVD, watching an episode of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” enjoying a meal at Cracker Barrel and playing Scooby-Doo Match game. Every Saturday, for fourteen years, he bowled with Douglas County Special Olympics. He was an avid collector of Bill and Gloria Gaither Vocal Band DVD’s, which also played in his home daily.

If Ed were with us today, he would strongly recommend all of the above for a happy existence, along with a reminder to take care of children.

The family will receive friends at Whitley Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m.

Ed will be laid to rest at a small graveside service at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Brett Ellington officiating.

In lieu of flowers, any contribution to a local child related charity, or to the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta, % Cheryl Arno whose kindness and resources gave Ed the opportunity to remain in care of the family. Her contact information is [email protected]

Thoughts and condolences to the family may be shared online at www.whitleygarnercom.

Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services of Ed Benton.