BENTON – Patrick Dempsey, 72, of Benton, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, 2026, at his home.

He was born May 18, 1953, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to Kenneth and Syble (Milburn) Dempsey.

He married Kay Midkiff on April 7, 2007.

Mr. Dempsey was a dedicated miner. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Dempsey of Benton; two daughters: Jennifer Tucker and husband Kenny of Perryville, Missouri, and Sarah Kelly of Christopher; two stepdaughters: Amanda Skobel and husband Tony of Whittington and Leah Clem and husband Nathan of Clarksville, Tennessee; 11 grandchildren: Drake, Ariana, Doug, Laird, Londyn, Nadia, Emma, Noah, Kaden, Jayce and Sawyer; one great-granddaughter, Rori; and two sisters: Connie Morris and husband Ray of Benton and Janet Morris and husband John of Galatia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two nephews, Shannon Morris and Lucas Morris.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor Jeff Owens officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences, visit mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.