Wilmoth, Benton M. Jr., 83, of St. Clairsville, devoted husband of 60 years, loving father and proud grandfather died suddenly at his home on September 29, 2008. His caring and gentle spirit will be missed by all. He was born July 4, 1925 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, son of the late Benton M. Wilmoth, Sr. and Mattie Ida (Mills) Wilmoth.

Ben was a retired geologist of the Federal EPA. He had earned his Masters Degree from West Virginia University; he was a member of East Richland Friends Church; a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II; a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists; and was awarded the outstanding service award in 1982.

Surviving are his loving wife, Tressie P. Wilmoth; his children, Benton (Barbara) Wilmoth of Marysville, Ohio, Susan Savage of Downers Grove, Illinois and Linda (Brian) Landis of Dublin, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Benton Wilmoth IV and Katherine Wilmoth both working in Washington, DC, J. T. Long a junior at O.U., Stuart Long a high school senior in Dublin and Zach Savage a high school senior in Downers Grove; and a brother, James Robert Wilmoth of Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville, where services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Wayne Ickes officiating. Graveside services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Beckley, West Virginia.

In honor of Tressie, Benton?s family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633 or online at www.alz.org.