Robert E. Hammond of Benton

Robert E. Hammond, 87, of Benton passed away Tuesday morning, Jan. 23, 2018, at Stonebridge in Benton.

He was born Nov. 20, 1930, in Benton, the son of Reuben and Lula (Jones) Hammond.

He married Elizabeth "Betty" Hammond March 4, 1952 in Piggott, Ark., and she preceded him in death June 1, 2015.

Mr. Hammond was an Army veteran. He was a retired coal miner.

Mr. Hammond is survived by his daughter, Cyndi Warren and husband Jerry of McLeansboro; son Rob Hammond and wife Gay of Benton; grandchildren Chris and Cori Warren of Mt. Vernon, Bryan Warren of McLeansboro, Bryson and Lana Hammond of Metropolis, Alecia Boss and Nate of Benton, and Brad Hammond of Bento; great-granddaughter Natalie Warren of Mt. Vernon, as well as two other great-grandchildren to arrive soon; and two sisters-in-law, Shirley Jones of Benton and Pat Akins of Benton.

Graveside fuenral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW posts and the National Guard Honor Squad. There will be no visitation, and those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benton West City Ministerial Alliance/Food Pantry.

Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.