Bennie Elwood Wester

Ben was born November 15, 1929 in Erick, Oklahoma to Johnnie and Mattie Wester. He grew up, and graduated from Erick High School in 1948. From there he went on to attend Southwestern College where he received his degrees in business and athletics. Ben loved and played all sports throughout high school and college and then proceeded to play a few seasons of professional baseball with the Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals. Ben proudly served his country in the Air Force stationed in Wichita, Kansas. During this time he met and married Norma Jo Irwin from Sayre, Oklahoma. Ben carried on his love for baseball by coaching high school and college ball for many years.

After the service Ben worked as an Insurance Claims Adjuster in Amarillo, Texas. In 1958 he and Norma moved to Midland, Texas to raise their family. Here he bought Farmers Insurance Group and became District Manager for the West Texas Area for over 40 years, where he made many lifelong friendships that have lasted until this day. While with Farmers Insurance he managed the largest region in the United States. Bennie was also a cattleman with ranches in Oklahoma. Besides cattle, he also enjoyed his many horses that he went on to race in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Ben enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing, which he shared with his family and friends. He loved his wife Norma of over 60 years, and his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the rest of his loving family who will cherish all of those memories. He passed along his love for the outdoors and sports through teaching and coaching his family and friends.

Bennie was not only a friend but a mentor and guide to many, throughout his life. Many will tell you that Ben is best remembered for his generosity and kindness to all. He believed that everyone deserved a second chance and sometimes even a third. Ben also had three other loves, “the Good Man upstairs” as he would call our Lord, his trademark cigars, and his favorite companion, “Tyson”, his collie. There wasn’t anything Ben wouldn’t do for his family and friends. He will be forever cherished and missed until we meet again.

Bennie is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Wester, and Mattie Wester.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Norma Wester; son, Rick Wester; daughters, Debbie Wester McCord, and Shanna Wester Deer; sister, Darlene Marrs; grandchildren, Crystal Mitchell, Michelle Richards, Sage Kinney, Tori Wester, and Bennie Wester, as well as numerous great grandchildren, family, and friends.

A visitation will be held from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2014 at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at Kelview Heights Baptist, with Reverend Jerry Berry officiating. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cancer or Alzheimer’s research. A great thanks to the love and care given by Nolan Nursing Home and Sweetwater Hospital.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com