TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
included Germany, Korea, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He received the following medals for valor and service: The Bronze Star, Joint Ser- vice Commendation Medal, Army Com- mendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the Saudi/Kuwait Libera- tion Medal (Operation Desert Storm). Other service Awards include Air Force Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Rib- bon, Air Assault Badge, and Army Lapel Button. After returning to the U.S. from abroad, U.S. Army stationed Ben- ton at Fort Still, OK. In 1989 he was transferred to Fort Campbell, KY as part of the 101st Airborne Division. After retiring from military service, Ben- ton worked for 28 years for the Arkadel- phia Public School District, where he was a coach in many sports, including football, basketball, track, and tennis. He also taught social studies, history, health, and physical education and was a teacher in the alternative classroom format for several years. Benton and his family were members of the Barnett Chapel AME Church of Lawton, OK and the St. Paul AME of Arkadelphia, AR where he was a trustee, member of Male Chorus, Lay Organization, Church School and Sons of Allen president. In 2017, the church recognized Benton as a “Mighty Man of Mission” because of his selfless service to the Youth Department. Through- out Jasper’s service to this country, he always found time to serve the Lord. He was also an activities coordinator for United for Youth, an umbrella organiza- tion for Men United whose mission was to help develop positive character in young men. Brother Jasper Benton was preceded in death by his parents, paternal grandpar- ents, Willie and Sarah Logan-Benton, maternal grandparents, Henry and Aurora Robinson and Everteen Robin- son; his brothers Wardell and Grover Benton. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of nearly 42 years, Linda Dianne Reynolds-Benton, Jasmond Roshard Benton and daughter Amanda Louise
Jasper R. Benton 1954–2021 Arkansas Educator, Coach; U.S. Army
Benton, Arkansas; six brothers, Keith (Quinn), Robert Ellis (Travina), Hardy and Ira (Jo), Reuben (Angela) and Kenan Wynn (Wanda); four sisters Judy Benton-Harris (Robert) , Iran Benton- Smith, Suzette Benton Collier (Joe) and Virginia Benton-Williams. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other rela- tives, former students, and friends.
Jasper R. Benton (Gamma Sigma 1974) entered the Chapter Invisible on January 8, 2021, at 66. Jasper Robinson
Benton was born May 16, 1954, in Norphlet, Union
Edward L. Blacksheare, Sr. 1926–2020 Educator, Civic Leader Edward L. Blacks- heare, Sr. (Pi 1944) entered the Chapter
County, AR, to the late Melzona and Rebecca Robinson-Benton and was the seventh of thirteen children. After graduation from Norphlet High School in 1973, Benton enrolled at Henderson State (AR) University (HSU), where he earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in health and physical education. Benton played linebacker for the HSU football team and was a member of the school’s ROTC program. In 1974, Benton was a member of the HSU national championship team as the team won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA) Divi- sion II Championship. The following year, the team played four exhibition games in Europe: Mannheim, Frank- furt, Nuremberg, Germany, and Paris, France. In 2011, HSU honored Benton and his teammates with induction into the Henderson State University Sports Hall of Fame. While attending gradu- ate school, Benton joined the school’s athletic department as its first African- American Graduate Assistant. While at HSU, Benton joined the Fraternity in 1974 and helped char- ter the Henderson State University Chapter, the Theta Alpha of Kappa Alpha Psi. Later, Benton help charter the Hot Springs-Arkadelphia-Malvern (AR) Alumni Chapter, where he served as polemarch. During his term as polemarch, the chapter hosted the 2011 Southwestern Province Council Meet- ing. After graduating from HSU in 1978, Benton joined the U.S. Army commis- sioned as a Second Lieutenant. He served thirteen years and retired from the army as a Major. His tours of duty
Invisible on October 17, 2020, at age 94. Prior to his passing, Blackshear was the oldest surviving initiate of Pi Chapter. Edward Laverne Blacksheare was born on August 3, 1926, to Allen and Irene Blacksheare in Sanford, FL. He attended high school at Crooms Academy. At Morehouse, Blacksheare graduated in 1947, a year ahead of fel- low Morehouse student Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Blacksheare began his career as an educator teaching biology at Oviedo High School in Oviedo, FL. He earned a master's degree in education from Atlanta University in 1956. In 1957, the Seminole County School Board appoint- ed him Assistant Principal at Oviedo High School and became in 1965 the Principal of Crooms High School in Sanford, FL, where he remained until 1986. A Life Member of the Fraternity, Black- sheare was an active member for over 50 years, including serving as the Conclave Chairman for the 70 th Grand Chap- ter Meeting held in Orlando, FL, in 1991. He is a longtime member of the Orlando (FL) Alumni Chapter, includ- ing serving as polemarch. Blacksheare was the chapter Keeper of Records from 1960-2012, Guide Right Program Chairman for 15 years, and chairman
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