George Wesley Benter III

Sergeant Major George W. "Wes" Benter III, USMC (Ret.), of Sparta, Missouri, reported for duty on the streets of Heaven on September 29, 2026. He passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 86.

Wes was born in El Paso, Texas, on October 11, 1939. A dedicated patriot, he devoted much of his life to serving his country, retiring from the United States Marine Corps as a Sergeant Major after a distinguished 26-year career. Among his many assignments, he proudly served a tour of duty as a combat photographer during the Vietnam War, capturing history on the front lines.

Following his retirement from the military, Wes spent 20 years in the Kansas City area working in the logistics and mail-sorting business. He later settled in Sparta, where he briefly served his local community as a school bus driver. Outside of his professional life, Wes was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, water skiing, traveling, and coaching his children’s sports teams. He carried the discipline, loyalty, and spirit of the Marine Corps into every aspect of civilian life.

Above all, Wes was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Sharon Benter; their five children, George W. Benter IV (Kaoru), Michael Benter, Denise Guthrie (Robert), Kenneth Benter (Tane), and Mark Benter; 13 grandchildren, Chrystal Irons (Cody), Wes Benter, Jennifer Moon, Blair Benter, Christopher Guthrie (Kirsten), Chelsea Benter, Michael Benter, Jr. (Taylor), Thomas Benter, Styrling Brown, Ashtyn Benter, Haley Benter, Haden Benter (Kylie), and Grayson Benter; and 9 great-grandchildren, Cayden Irons, Cameron Irons, Bradley Moon, Cayleb Irons, Michaela Moon, Kira Benter, Lucas Guthrie, Autumn Guthrie, and Amber Lowe.

George is preceded in death by his four siblings; Francis "Kika" Allen, Terance Benter, Paul Benter, Carol Dean Benter; one daughter-in-law, Stephanie Benter.

Semper Fidelis.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Reverend Vineesh Jose Tharayil, OSB, PhD, officiating. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m.

A Committal Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, with military honors.