(From Clark Funeral Home)Benjamin Franklin Studebaker passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home in Van Meter (IA).
Ben was born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma on November 30, 1933, to Alvin A. and Marie M. Studebaker. He graduated from Chester (PA) High School in 1952 before moving to Neodesha, Kansas. There he spotted a drum majorette in the town’s Christmas parade and made it his goal to meet her.
He became engaged to Fern Ruth Hersh before leaving for a two-year stint in the Army. They married on March 16, 1957, and moved to Neosho (MO) a few years later. There, Ben took a job at Rocketdyne where he remained (through numerous company changes) until retirement in 1996.
After retiring Ben and Fern enjoyed their many travels in the RV and spent winters in Texas. They lived at 906 Peterson Road in Neosho for over fifty years before moving to Iowa in 2016 to be near family.
Ben was, above all else, a family man. During sixty-six years of marriage, Ben and Fern had three children, a bonus-son, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Benjamin Garth (Connie) Studebaker of Streamwood, IL; Nancy Studebaker (David Barringer) of Van Meter, IA; and Steven (Trisha) Studebaker of West Des Moines, IA were blessed with an exemplary father. His bonus-son came in the form of a foster child, now Staff Sergeant Michael Burtram, who quickly became a member of the family.
After retiring Ben and Fern enjoyed their many travels in the RV and spent winters in Texas. They lived at 906 Peterson Road in Neosho for over fifty years before moving to Iowa in 2016 to be near family.
Ben was, above all else, a family man. During sixty-six years of marriage, Ben and Fern had three children, a bonus-son, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Benjamin Garth (Connie) Studebaker of Streamwood, IL; Nancy Studebaker (David Barringer) of Van Meter, IA; and Steven (Trisha) Studebaker of West Des Moines, IA were blessed with an exemplary father. His bonus-son came in the form of a foster child, now Staff Sergeant Michael Burtram, who quickly became a member of the family.
Each of Ben’s grandchildren enjoyed a special relationship with him. He was preceded in death by his oldest grandson Tom Benjamin Lucas (Orlando, FL). His other grandchilden are Brian Campbell (Billings MT), Audra Studebaker (Raleigh NC)), Joel Garth Studebaker (Normal, IL), Joshua (Ashleigh) Studebaker (Altoona, IA) and Benjamin G. Studebaker (West Des Moines, IA).
His five greats are scattered across the country now but were always cherished in his heart. Alexia Lucas, Yethan Benjamin Lucas, Cierra Cambell, Cirrus VonBenson Campbell and Cirrene Campbell.
Arrangements are being handled by Clark Funeral Homes of Neosho. Graveside services will be at Gibson Cemetery (Neosho) on Monday, March 27 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
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