Ben was united in marriage to Hazel Deane Stambaugh on October 5, 1946 in Callaway County. They raised three wonderful sons and enjoyed many precious times with their grandchildren at their farm near Hams Prairie. In addition to farming, gardening and various positions on church and school boards, Ben worked for Harbison-Walker for 40+ years.
He was a loyal and devoted husband to Hazel until she passed in June of 2007. A dedicated father and grandfather who loved God, he instilled the value of faith and integrity in his sons and grandchildren. Farming and gardening were his passion for 67 years, and he was especially fond of his chickens. He was always thoughtful and generous, delivering eggs, fruits, vegetables and wood to family and friends. An avid St Louis Cardinals fan, he watched every game and was even treated to a few games in person. He enjoyed pop-fly baseball in his farm pasture with his sons and grandchildren. His grandchildren fondly remember tractor rides, feeding the livestock, gathering eggs, wrestling, chasing pigs, Saturday night rook games and fishing. He was calm, quiet, thoughtful, loving and could fix anything.
Ben is survived by his sons Roger and Mark (Deawne), grandchildren Revelie (Jose), Tracey (Robert), Kirsten, Jonathan Mark (Katie), Jonathan Ryan and Shawn (Erin), great-grandchildren Alex, Ethan, McKenzie, Reese (due August 18) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, son Dale, daughter in laws Martha and Marcia, grandson Hunter, his parents and siblings Roy, Joy, Guy, Leo, Foy (Pete), Oliver, Margie, Helen, Della and Eva.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Fulton Church Of God Holiness. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Rev. Travis Sayler officiating. Burial will be in Steedman Cemetery in Steedman, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fulton Church Of God Holiness, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251.
