Racer Athletics Honors Claire Benton

Murray State University and Racer Athletics lost a dear friend and member of their extended family when Claire Benton died on Sept. 13, 2016 at 87 years of age.

Claire Benton was an important part of the Murray State athletics administration from 1968-2003 and she served in a variety of capacities, but most remember her as the friendly and helpful face of the Racers' ticket office. She began working at Murray State in 1968 and retired in 1994, ultimately giving 35 wonderful years to Murray State University. After her retirement in 1994, Benton returned and worked part-time in the athletics department from 1995 to 2003.

Benton started at MSU as administrative assistant in the office of head men's basketball coach Cal Luther. She also worked in the office of college VP Jim Hall. Benton was a colleague of five athletic directors including: Cal Luther, Johnny Reagan, Mike Dill, Mike Strickland and E.W. Dennison.

Benton thought of her colleagues as family and everyone that knew her thought the same about her.

She was inducted into the Murray State Hall of Fame – Hall of Distinction in February 2016.

Here are some thoughts from some of Claire Benton's colleagues at Murray State.

Cal Luther – Head Men's Basketball Coach (1958-74), Director of Athletics (1967-78)
"I couldn't say enough about her. She was the kindest, friendliest and most gracious person I've ever known. Anyone that met Claire couldn't forget her because she was so kind and generous. She worked for me a long while and was always professional and marvelous with people. Claire was a tireless worker and I don't know of anyone that met Claire that didn't like her. Murray State and the community have lost a wonderful friend. I want to send my best wishes to her wonderful family that loved her very much. She will be missed by so many people."

Mike Strickland – Director of Athletics (1988-96)
"Claire was a consummate wonderful human being. During my tenure at Murray State, she just took care of everybody and was the face of the department. Claire was the most beautiful woman at the ball and was a very caring person that loved Murray State and MSU Athletics. It's sad for all of us to know that Claire Benton won't be there anymore. Claire was always the same. I saw her recently and she had that same way of exuding graciousness and all of her great qualities. Claire was the best of the best."

Coach Houston Nutt – Head Football Coach (1993-96)
"Claire was one of the best ladies in the world. She was always so kind and always so uplifting and encouraging to others. Claire was an unbelievable human being. My brother Danny and I always thought that the group of ladies in the MSU athletics department were so special: Claire, Janet, Shelia, Cheryl and Saundra, they all were the absolute best! Claire will be missed so much, not only from her co-workers, but people in the Murray community, her church family and most of all her immediate family. Claire Benton was a saint. We love you Claire."

Joe Ward – Assistant Director of Athletics (1976-88)
"Today, Claire Benton passed away from this world. During our last visit on Saturday, she told me not to worry or be sad for her. She was at peace with what was to come. In true Claire fashion, she asked me how I was feeling and told me I was walking better and how much I sounded like my old self. It was always about you, never about her (Claire). I find it ironic that the person with the biggest, kindest and most loving heart I ever knew died from heart failure. As Janet Futrell said, 'I always thought Claire would be there.' I am sad, but also thankful to have had Claire in my life for 41 years. Rest easy my old friend. I'll miss you forever."

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home Obituary
Mrs. Claire M. Benton, age 87, of Murray, Kentucky, died Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at her home.

Mrs. Benton was born March 25, 1929 in Potts Camp, Mississippi, to the late Samuel Franklin and Eva Mae Brownlee McCauley. She was a former Executive Secretary and Office Manager for the President of the Holiday Inn of America.

Mrs. Benton worked for thirty plus years for the Murray State University Athletic Department in various capacities. She was inducted into the Hall of Distinction at Murray State University in February of 2016. She was an active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church since 1968.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Benton is preceded in death by her husband Jack Benton, sister, Sandra King, two grandsons Joshua Benton Adams and Justus Bradley Benton.

Mrs. Benton is survived by one daughter, JoBeth Ticknor and husband Bill of Murray, KY, two sons, Larry Benton and David Benton of Murray, KY, one sister, Doris Fernandez of Memphis, TN, twelve grandchildren, Jason Adams, Jeremy Ticknor, Shane Ticknor, Jason Ticknor, Joseph Benton, Jordan Benton, John David Benton, Kristen Thorne, Anthony Schneider, Mandy Garcia, Caleb Ticknor, Mackenzie Ticknor, eight great grandchildren, Eliana Claire Ragovin- Benton, Julian Adams, Jadyn Claire Adams, Quincy and Kendrick Thorne, and Gavin Holt.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2016 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Chad Foster officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 1-3 p.m., at the Church. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will also be held from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Online condolences can be left at thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com

Murray State University

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