Obituary: Undergraduate remembered for lasting impact

Junior Benton Thomas Ault passed away on Sept. 6 after battling the effects of chemotherapy over the past summer months.

After spending two years at St. Edward’s, Benton is leaving nothing but good memories for all who were lucky enough to know him. Whether it was his time spent working towards his Interactive Game Design degree or extracurricular activities like the Video Game Association and the Asian Pop Culture club, he became known for his dedication to what he loved.

Even now, Benton’s name is remembered for his vigor that gave him the strength to fight through the leukemia that tried so hard to steal that very energy away from him. After successfully beating his cancer though, he was left with lung injuries that proved too great in the long run. After spending the last few weeks in a medically-induced coma trying to recover, he gracefully slipped into eternity where he has found the true rest and relief that he needed.

He will be missed, and although we are momentarily saddened by this sudden loss of precious life, we are all happy he has found his way home after such a difficult year.

His family remains in our prayers, not only for their son, but also for their continued safety in the wake of Hurricane Harvey’s destruction in Houston. Benton is survived by his parents, Mike and Ann Ault and his older brother Stephen. Thank you for letting the St. Edward’s community get to know Benton as the incredible person he was and will always be in our hearts and memories.

Our Lady Queen of Peace chapel held a memorial service for Benton on Monday. Another service will take place in Houston on Saturday, September 16th, at the Chapelwood United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

Rest In Power, Benton (December 23, 1996 – September 6, 2017)