He was the 7th of 8 boys. Ben worked assisting his family from the age of 6 years old, starting with picking cotton. He worked a multitude of jobs growing up-- ranging from building bridges on the road to Florence, AZ to shipyards in California and farms all up and down the West Coast. He obtained employment at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company at 18 years old and spent 32 1/2 years there. The only interruption to his employment was 2 years of Army Combat in the Korean War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
After retiring from Goodyear, Ben worked 10 1/2 years for the Deer Valley School District in Glendale, AZ as a Grounds Keeper. After his 2nd retirement, he went to work at Anthem Mall as a security guard and then at Anthem Park as a Grounds Keeper.
At the age of 35 his life changed forever when he fell in love with Jesus, and the remaining 55 years of his life he witnessed salvation through Jesus to everyone he came in contact with.
He became an ordained minister through The Lord's Church in Bellflower, CA and would preach Jesus in the pulpit every opportunity he was given.
His life was always a life of sacrifice for others, starting after his parents divorce. At the age of 15, Ben took partial financial responsibility of his mother, and full responsibility at age 18 because she had no one else to care for her, delaying his life for her.
He met and married the love of his life at 38, and they had 4 children, who have given him 8 grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Jacquelin Brakefield of New River, AZ; his 4 children Roger Brakefield of New River, AZ; Jewlene Walkington and husband James Walkington with grandsons James and Levi of Surprise, AZ; Paula Brakefield of Prescott Valley, AZ; and David Brakefield and wife Tara Brakefield with grandsons Caleb, Noah, and Benjamin along with granddaughters Alexia, Charis, and Gavriela of New River, AZ. He has also left behind MANY family and friends who claim him as a Dad due to his unfailing support to them throughout their lives... of which he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Ben.
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