BENTON — Milton Bard Scott,

age 95, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2020. He was one of the good guys of the “greatest generation”. He was born on a dairy farm near Benton, Ark. on August 3rd of 1924. After completing high school, he joined the Navy to serve during WWII in the Pacific. Upon returning home he attended Arkansas Tech and the University of Arkansas. He graduated with a degree in Agriculture. While attending AR Tech he met the love of his life, Margaret Elmo Leavell. He and Margaret married in 1948 and had two children, Ann Scott Townsend of Benton and Ed Scott of Wilson, Wyo.

Milton had a long and impactful career serving organizations and people Arkansas. He started out as an agriculture extension agent in Huntsville and then went to work for the Arkansas Plant Board. From there, he joined the Arkansas Farm Bureau. He held many positions over the 35 years. As Executive Vice President of State and National Legislative Affairs he worked with governors, legislators, and farmers to successfully shepherd numerous articles of legislation benefiting the farmers and the people of Arkansas. One of his many accomplishments was the passage of a bill funding the Arkansas 4H Center at Ferndale. Milton believed in serving his community in his church as well as civic organizations such as AR Health Systems Agency and United Way.

After his first retirement, he joined the Arkansas Press Association where he worked to protect newspapers and the publics’ right to know, via the FOI law (Freedom of Information). He finally retired a second time in 2004, but continued to serve on the community boards such as the Kiwanis Club Light House for the Blind and, Salem Methodist Camp Meeting Association and others.

A lifelong Methodist he loved singing in choirs at First Methodist Russellville, Trinity United Methodist in Little Rock, and First United Methodist of Benton. Milton was an avid runner until the age of 90. When asked in his late 80s why he still ran he said “the reason I am still here is because I am still out here running”.

Milton is preceded in death by his parents Milton W. and Ida Bell Scott, brother, Robert Scott and sister, Mary Chastain.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Elmo Scott of Benton, children Ann Townsend (Randy) and Ed Scott (Patricia). Grand children Ashley Wilcox (Jeff), Stacy Townsend (Scott Knoedl), Brian Scott (Meghan), Scott Townsend, and Laura Marks (Kyle) and great-grand-children.

Visitation will be 6-8p.m., Tuesday, July 28 at Ashby Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 29 at Scott Cemetery. Rev. Ben Crismon will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas 4H Foundation, 1 4-Way, Little Rock, Ark., 72223, or the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. Market Street, Benton, Ark., 72015.

On-line guest book at www. ashbyfuneralhome.com.