Ben W. McComb

DeWitt, formerly of Lansing

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend went to be with his heavenly father on Friday, January 6, 2012. He was born in Vickeryville, Michigan on September 2, 1928 to Henry and Rosella (Moffatt) McComb at the family homestead.

Ben is survived by his dear wife of 56 years, Joan (Ferrell) McComb; children, Mark (Christine) McComb, Paul (Lori) McComb, David McComb, Laura McComb Schmelter, Linda McComb (John) Hundt; and grandchildren, Ellie and Betsie Hundt, Ben and Lauren McComb, Suzie, Jake and Sophie Schmelter, and Shay McComb.

Ben grew up on the family farm during the Depression and always held his farm life and one-room schoolhouse boyhood days close to his heart. He graduated from Carson City High School in 1944, earned a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University, and received a Masters degree in Education Administration from Michigan State University. He started his teaching career at the age of eighteen holding teaching positions at Six Lakes, Sheridan, Lansing, and East Lansing School Districts from 1947-1964. Ben was an elementary school principal in the Lansing School District at Kalamazoo Street, Lewton, and Walnut Street Schools from 1964 – 1984.

Ben served his country proudly during the Korean War in Army Intelligence deciphering Russian codes. He was stationed in Frankfort, Germany from 1951-1953.

Ben was a life member of the Sheridan VFW; President of Golden Kiwanis; President of Lansing School Education Association; charter and active member of University United Methodist Church.

Ben was a gifted storyteller and an avid conversationalist with an amazing memory and a contagious sense of humor. He had great passion for American history- heritage and was a proud patriot. He loved many things, especially his friends, dogs, vintage radios, big band music, traveling, hunting, wildlife, and steam tractors.

Most of all, he loved his family.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m., University United Methodist Church, 1120 S. Harrison, East Lansing, MI with the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Browne officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 9th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing and also Tuesday 1 hour prior to the service at church.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the church, The Salvation Army, 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48912, or Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 West Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 in memory of Ben.

On-line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com