WSHS Valedictorian inducted into Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame

The Willow Springs High School Class of 1968 will have another feather in its illustrious cap Friday afternoon. Their Valedictorian, William "Duane" Benton, will be inducted into the 2024 Class of the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame. 

 

"In my youth, Willow had many World War II veterans.  If asked what they did in the greatest conflict of all time, most would say, ‘I did my job, like other soldiers, sailors, airmen or marines.’ That's how I feel about this honor.  I did my job in the Navy, in the Legion and VFW, in my community, and as a judge.  Many others deserve the credit," Benton commented.

 

The Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes, “the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation, both at home and abroad, as well as the contributions and the legacy they leave behind," Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said in a press release. 

 

Duane Benton, a Willow Springs and Mountain View native, now resides in Kansas City. He served in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve from 1972 to 2002, retiring as a Captain. On active duty he served in Vietnam, New London, Great Lakes, and Memphis. As the 14th Missouri Director of Revenue, he authored the Missouri Taxpayer Bill of Rights and initiated the short-form state tax return. Duane's community involvement focuses on the Rotary Club and Veterans organizations. He has been a Rotary Club President, a District Governor and President of Show Me Rotary training. Duane is an active member of both the VFW (Life Member) and The American Legion. For the past 33 years, he has been the State Chair of the Legion's Oratorical Contest. Through his leadership of this program, he has developed one of the best oratorical programs in the Legion, producing three National Champions.  After 13 years on the Missouri Supreme Court, Duane currently sits as a federal judge on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

 

Inductees require a Missouri connection, honorable military service, and must have contributed exceptionally to their community, the state, or the nation. The Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame plaque, displayed on the second floor of the Missouri State Capitol outside of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, will be updated with the new class of inductees. The induction ceremony is open to the public and will be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 25, at the Missouri State Capitol.