Thomas Mason “”M.T.”” Benefiel, 88, son of John William Benefiel and Sarah Jane Kelley Benefiel, was born June 2, 1915, at Raymondville. He died Feb. 7, 2004, at the Kabul Nursing Home. Mr. Benefiel was a custodian for 14 years at the Cabool Schools, keeping in line two generations of students. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and raising cattle and goats. He regularly visited the sale barn, where he had his own seat. He visited the businesses around town and shared his garden produce with his friends. He had been a member of the Cabool Assembly of God since 1942. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy; one daughter, Beatrice; and two brothers, John and Henry. Surviving are three sons, Jack Harvey of Odessa, John Benefiel of Oak Grove and Dan Benefiel of Cabool; two daughters, Shirley Davis of Independence and Wanda Schneider of Cabool; 22 grandchildren 42 great-grandchildren and 41 great-great-grandchildren. Services were Feb. 11 at the Cabool Assembly of God with burial in the Cabool Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Royal Ranger/Missionette program at the Cabool Assembly of God, P.O. Box 98, Cabool, Mo. 65689. “
