Born August 1,1930 in Clarence, MO to John Dee and Rose White Fletcher, Ben passed away early morning October 29,2021 at Beautiful Savior Nursing Facility in Belton, MO. He had been in declining health for the past several years with heart and breathing problems and he recently fell, fracturing his hip resulting in his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 65 years, Velma, son David, brothers John and David and also sister Ruth.
Ben grew up in the farm country of Independence, Kansas and was no stranger to hard work. In his teens, he stayed with a Salvation Army Captain in Kansas City, where he met his wife, Velma of 65 years. He served our country honorably with 4 years in the United States Navy. He served during the Korean War and was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2018 to honor all veterans.
After the Navy, they settled in Kansas City. Ben and Velma moved to the suburbs in Grandview, MO where Ben carried mail for five routes and knew hundreds of personal addresses before retiring at age 55 after 30 years on 15 acres in Harrisonville, MO. He loved to garden and had vegetables, fruit trees and flowers everywhere! He was particularly proud of his barn, cattle, and large fishing pond.He was also an avid mushroom hunter. Ben and Velma loved to square dance and travel especially to Hawaii! For adventure, dad jumped out of an airplane on his 80th birthday with his grandson Joe! He remained active in the National active and Retired Federal Employees Association. (NARFE) .Dad spent his last years at Beautiful Savior, an assisted living facility where he continued to make friends and was loved by all! Above all, he was comforted by the knowledge of the love of Jesus!
He leaves behind two daughters, Ruth Albertson of Independence and Sharon Page of Lawson;
Ruth’s Children, Rebekah Bonam and her husband Mark and her two daughters, Rachel Hunnefield and her husband Joseph, and Allison Zaiser and James Bonam; Nathan Rutherford and his wife Tiffany, and their two children, Ryan and Ariana; Jonathan Blanton and his wife Megan, and their three children, Caleb, Franny, and David; Sharon’s husband, Noble and their three sons; Jesse Page; Joseph Page and his wife Natalie, and their three children, Madison, Jackson, and Isaac Page; Robert Page, and Tara and Tristin.
Visitation will be held 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, November 2, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131
