Benjamin Richard Klimko

Benjamin Richard Klimko went to be with the Lord the morning of March 24, 2025 in Trussville, AL. He was 79 years old. Ben is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin R. Klimko, Sr., his mother, Helen K. Klimko, his grandson, Christopher Thomas McGuire, and his great niece, Kayleigh Blair McClendon. He is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Amanda Rabb Klimko, daughter Maryann Klimko Sledge (Andy), step-daughter Lili Lydon Kane (Brandon); grandchildren Sean Patrick McGuire (Chrissy), Katilyn Nicole McGuire (Matthew), Zachary Cole Sledge, Nora Ann Kane, and Reilly Elizabeth Kane; great grandson Truett Perry McGuire; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Ben was a native of Pennsylvania who came to serve during the Vietnam War with the US Marine Corps. Later, he entered the Alabama Air National Guard as a member of the 106th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in Birmingham, AL, and later, the 117th Intelligence Squadron, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant until his retirement in 2005.

Ben was a dedicated service member during five decades of our nation’s history and was always looking out for the troops. He brought a colorful and entertaining spirit into the unit and enjoyed some mischievous and funny times on workdays, retirements, and squadron parties.

He loved our country, his family, and his friends, and shared in their successes and tragedies. He worked to see that others were recognized for their efforts and helped to ensure their career progressions over the years.

As a longtime member of Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Ben enjoyed being on the church safety team, but mostly delighted in being the church donut fairy – bringing Krispy Kreme donuts and hats to share after services (for many years, anonymously).

As a husband and father, he was devoted to his wife and daughters and established a “mind your P’s and Q’s” type of routine which, while seeming no-nonsense and strict, led to a family who garnered respect and tended safe spaces with one another. Alongside structure and high expectations, he was also the dad who taught his kids songs like “In Heaven There is No Beer [That’s Why We Drink It Here],” and “All My Exes live in Texas.” Above all else, Ben was a calm and straightforward person who actively listened, honored the stories we told him, and advised fair and honest responses when life threw us lemons.

We will always love and appreciate Ben for reminding us to work hard, be gracious to our neighbors, and never take life more seriously than we take ourselves. Thank you for loving us tremendously, Ben/Dad, and thanks for teaching us how to find logical, rational solutions in a chaotic world.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests and encourages donations to Edgewood Presbyterian Church, 850 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35209.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 27, 2025, 5-7 pm, at Ridout’s Chapel, Trussville, AL. A committal service will be held on Friday, March 28, 11 am, at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL. A celebration of Ben’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 2 pm at Edgewood Presbyterian Church, Homewood, AL.