Brandon Kyle Pinson, 31, of Ashville, NC, a former Benton native, was killed Tuesday morning on September 3, 2019, in Iraq. He was leading a team of deminers working to clear improvised explosive devices left behind from battles with the Islamic State. While he was diffusing an explosive device, the accident occurred in the village of Tel al-Shear near Mosul.
Brandon was born on March 25, 1988, in Carbondale, IL, to his parents, Brian and Karen (Easter) Pinson. He was a United States Army Veteran serving ten years and two terms in Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan, he diffused explosive devices. Brandon married the love of his life Samantha. They have two children, Dawson and River.
He was employed as a civilian employee of FSD of Geneva, Switzerland-based humanitarian a non-governmental organization that aims to clear explosive devices that threaten civilian populations that were affected by war.
Brandon attended Benton Consolidated High School and graduated in 2006. While attending high school he was a co-captain of the Benton Rangers football team and chosen as one of two MVP players his senior year. Also being named all-conference offensive and defensive player that year by the Southern Illinois River-to River (SIRR) Conference. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother. Brandon loved weightlifting and playing with his children which were the light of his eye.
He is survived by his loving parents, Brian and Karen Pinson; wife, Samantha Pinson; two sons, Dawson and River Pinson; a sister, Jennifer Jennings and husband GySgt USMC Tyler Jennings; a niece, Madison Jennings; many cousins and friends.
Proceeding Brandon in death is his maternal grandparents, James and Carolyn (Dutcher) Easter; paternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy (Glover) Pinson; one aunt, Debbie Easter; two uncles, Larry Easter and Larry Pettit.
Local funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Gathering Service on Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Benton American Legion Post 280 and VFW Post 2671 in Benton, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Benton High School for the amazing tribute to Brandon life on Friday, September 13, 2019, and to the community for the amazing support shown to the family during this difficult time.
Online condolences may be given at www.patefh.com