Michael D. Benton

Michael D. Benton, 72, of Fremont, OH passed away on January 16, 2024 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.  He was born on May 10, 1951 in Bellefontaine, OH the son of Wilbur and Shirley (Koenig) Benton.  Mike was a 1969 graduate of St. Joseph High School and Vanguard Vocational School.  Mike married Deborah Oman on April 24, 1971 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and she survives.

Mike was a supervisor at Chrysler Corp. from 1970-75.  He then graduated from the Police Academy in 1976 and was a reserve deputy from 1976-78. Mike then became a jailer for Sandusky County from 1978-80.  He then joined the Gibsonburg Police Department in 1980 and was appointed the chief of police in 1981 and held that position until he retired in 2013.  Mike also taught many classes at Terra Community College Police Academy for over twenty-one years.  He received several awards throughout his career including Excellence in College Service in 1997, Distinguished Service Award for Gibsonburg Police Department in 1995 and Law Enforcement Officer of the Year from the VFW Post 2947 in 2010.

Mike was a nature lover, woodworker, photographer and family historian.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to share little known facts.  Mike’s greatest passion was the devotion he gave to his family. 

Mike is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Deborah Benton, Fremont; children, Christine (Toby) Parish, Trussville, Al, David (Gerri) Benton, Eric Benton and Nikki (Ryan) Upton, all of Fremont, OH; brother, Daniel (Ann) Benton, Loveland, OH; grandchildren, Aisha, Chelsey, Macy, Lily, Miley and Kailey Benton, Bryce, Brad and Blake Parish, Mariah and Logan Upton; great grandchildren, Audrey, Natalee and Elizabeth Tompkins and Mike’s beloved dog, Princess.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Menningen.

Vsitation: Monday, January 22, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH.

Celebration of Life will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.