August 29, 1930 – January 27, 2020
Resident of Fountain, Colorado. Bennie passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's on January 27, 2020, at the age of 89, with his family by his side. He was the devoted husband of 50 years to Jacque Sue Johnson, who he lovingly cared for until her passing in September of 2002. He is survived by his children; Debbie (Terry) Cooper, Connie (Howard) Smith, Mitch (Peggy) Johnson, Belinda (Les) Saylor and Cheryl Fuino.
Bennie was born August 29, 1930 in Huntington, Arkansas, to George Albert Johnson and Ruby Mae Johnson. He grew up in Waldron, Arkansas, where he met the love of his life Jacque, while she was selling tickets at the local movie theater. He graduated from Waldron High School and enlisted in the United States Army on July 1949. After returning from Korea he married Jacque Sue Gateley on May 2, 1952.
If you knew Ben, you knew his keen wit and out going personality. The engagement story he told his children and grandchildren was “We were fishing, and the fish weren’t biting so he said let’s go get hitched”.
Bennie served twenty-two years with distinction as an SFC in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his dedication and bravery. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest. After his retirement, he went on to serve an additional 22 years in the U.S. postal service.
Ben’s passions were his 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; Travis Cooper, Tera (Matt) Moss, Craig (Tammy) Smith, Christopher Saylor, Brandon (Sherelle) Johnson, Melissa (Joe) Miller, Matthew Fuino, Bret Johnson, Lauren Fuino and Tyler Fuino; Great Grandchildren, Kai Barley, Chole Cooper, Tristan Barley, Scarlet Cooper and Harper Johnson.
Bens’ hobbies included fishing and bowling. Other passions included writing poetry, art, history and guitar. He was also a die hard Trojan and Bronco fan.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation, Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Dove Witt Family Mortuary, 6630 S. US HWY 85/87, Fountain, CO. 80817. Ben will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery, Fountain, CO.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bennie’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association-Colorado Springs.
