Benjamin F. Sellars Jr.

He was born on May 12, 1922 in Onalaska, Texas to B.F. and Mattie V. Sellars. He graduated from high school in Burkeville, Texas and attended Texas A&M University before entering military service in May 1942. He subsequently graduated from Sam Houston State University under “Operation Bootstrap” while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. During World War II, he served as a combat glider pilot, and was awarded the Air Medal for aerial achievement in the airborne invasion of Germany. Following the war, he became a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, serving primarily in counterintelligence. This service was interrupted with an assignment as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Southern Methodist University. He completed his military service with retirement on May 31, 1973. Following his military service, he completed another career with the Texas Department of Transportation, retiring on May 31, 1987.

Ben was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church. He also held life memberships in St. Claire Lodge 24, Accepted Free and Ancient Masons, of Belleville, Illinois; the Military Officers Association of America; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the National World War II Glider Pilots Association, and the Association of Former Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agents.

He is survived by Louise, his wife of 60 years; daughter, Sandra Louise Fritz; granddaughter, Aenea Jean Marburger and her husband Russell Marburger; and great-grandchildren, Marshall Rayne Marburger and Jenna Lin Marburger.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm in the Grimes Chapel at Bethany United Methodist Church.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial be made to The House of Friends, Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas 78750, or a charity of choice.

Finally, it should be remembered he held strong beliefs in God, Country, and Family.

To share memories of Mr. Sellars with the family, please visit www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com.