OBITUARY: 1969 Cocoa High Graduate and Vietnam Veteran Darryl ‘Bones’ Benton, 74, Passed Away June 26

Former Airborne Ranger Was Heavily Involved in the Veteran Community

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Vietnam Veteran Darryl “Bones” Benton died June 26 at the age of 74. A lifelong surfer, he will be remembered on Tuesday, July 22, at 9 a.m. during a “Paddle Out” to be held at 4th Street South, Cocoa Beach.

A celebratory FRIENDS OF DARRYL gathering for all will take place at Beachfly Brewery Company, 513 Barton Boulevard in Rockledge, on Friday, August 15, from 4 p.m. to 8 pm.

From Mitch Morgan: Sadly, we have lost another classmate from the 1969 Cocoa High School class. Darryl “Bones” Benton has passed away.

Darryl was loved by many and will be remembered as a friendly and fun-loving guy. He was a member of the Key Club for all three of his high school years, participated in “Senior Frolics,” and appeared in the senior class play. Darryl was a member of the General Assembly.

After high school, he felt the call to service and joined the Army. Darryl became a member of the elite C/75th Airborne Rangers, known as “Charlie Rangers.” He served honorably in Vietnam, participating in long-range patrols, and was highly respected by his fellow comrades-in-arms.

Darryl served as President of his Rangers Association and chaired annual reunions.

Darryl received a B.S. degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Central Florida and was a proud supporter of the UCF Knights football team. For many years, he worked around the world as a Construction Project Manager, building unusual structures.

Among his notable projects are Legoland in Germany, Lincoln’s log cabin in Illinois, and the guitar in front of the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. Darryl was very proud of his involvement in these projects and always gave 100% to anything he did.

In retirement, Darryl focused on helping his fellow Veterans. He was instrumental in helping to form the local Brevard Chapter of Heroes on the Water, which is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on providing recreational wellness experiences to Veterans, first responders, and their families.

Darryl spent many hours on the water kayaking with disabled Veterans, encouraging them to get the most out of life. In his words, he was “giving back to his community and Veteran brothers and sisters.”

Along with kayaking, Darryl also enjoyed a good round of golf. He was a member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars organization and volunteered diligently to support various projects.

Darryl was known as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and a wonderful friend. He will be missed very much by all who were blessed to know him. Rest easy dear friend and watch over us all until we meet again. You will not be forgotten.

From Darryl’s wife, Betsi Moist: Since Darryl’s passing on June 26, many have asked about services for him. At his request, there will be no funeral service or military sendoff, but rather a celebration with those of us left behind. That being said…

PADDLE OUT: Darryl will paddle out in the surf he loved for the last time with his son, Eric, accompanied by family and friends who wish to join us at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at 4th Street South, Cocoa Beach, a place dear to so many of us. Grab your surfboard and join in to honor Darryl as he takes his final journey in his favorite playground. EVERYONE is welcome! Please bring a chair for your comfort. For those who can’t attend, the paddle out will be live-streamed by my friends at Space Coast Daily on their Facebook page.

A celebratory FRIENDS OF DARRYL gathering for EVERYONE will take place at Beachfly Brewery Company, 513 Barton Boulevard in Rockledge, on Friday, August 15, from 4:00-8:00 pm. It’s to be a happy time to share stories and memories with each other about a man who touched so many lives all over the world. People from all stages of his life were important to him – family, high school, Army Rangers (actually, all military), career associates, VFW, golf buddies, HOW volunteers, friends of friends, and other arenas too numerous to mention.

Light refreshments will be provided, with beverages, beer, and wine available for purchase. Bring a memory and celebrate with us!

Similar Stories