Ben Wilson's Obituary
Ben Wilson of Claude passed away Sunday, December 30, 2012. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday January 2, 2013 in the First Baptist Church of Claude with Pastors Dick Gravley and Delbert Serratt officiating. Burial will follow in Claude Cemetery by Robertson Armstrong Chapel of Claude. Born May 19, 1922 to Jap and Hattie Wilson in Claude, Texas, Ben excelled in football and track at Claude High School and graduated in 1941. He attended Texas A&M University until enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served as both a tail gunner and ball turret gunner with the 8th Army Air Corps on B-17 and B-24 bombers in Europe until his discharge in 1945. Following the war, Ben returned to farm and ranch southwest of Claude and devoted his life to raising a family and building a family farm and ranch. He married Georgia Bonifield in 1954 and they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in November. He lived his life by the motto of always trying to do the right thing regardless of the outcome and treating others as he believed God would want them treated. His life was devoted to his wife and family, to whom he provided constant support and encouragement in whatever they attempted. He considered his cup of life to be full and overflowing and regardless of the circumstances made sure Georgia knew she was the most important person in the world to him. Theirs was a life partnership; they shared in everything. He also invested in the lives of many young people and extended family members with his love and care, helping raise several young men through summer work opportunities hauling hay, driving tractors and tending to cattle and horses. Many have commented about the enjoyable times and lessons learned. Ben served his community in numerous ways, as a member of several committees at the First Baptist Church, a member of the Claude ISD board, Armstrong County Farm Bureau president, member of the Farm Service Agency county committee, Tri-State High School Rodeo Association and many other endeavors. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Nancy and Martha and brothers Jap, Joe and Jim. Ben is survived by his wife Georgia of the home, daughter Cindy of Amarillo, son Scot and wife Linda of Claude and son Ross and wife Melody of Canyon. He is also survived by grandchildren Heath Wilson and wife Shannon of Canyon, Ryan Wilson and wife Kaprece of Amarillo, Jessica Montgomery and husband Will of Claude, Shawna Strain and husband Dylan of Canyon and Nick Wilson of Claude, six great grandchildren, a sister-in-law Virginia Bonifield of Canyon, brother-in-law Gene McMaster of Waco and numerous nieces and nephews. The family also wishes to thank special care givers Georgia Foster, Lupe Martinez, Gloria Garcia and BSA Hospice. The family will receive visitors at Robertson Armstrong Chapel at 109 W. 3rd St. in Claude between the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 1st. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to BSA Hospice or First Baptist Church of Claude.
What’s your fondest memory of Ben?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ben?
Share a story where Ben's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ben you’ll never forget.
How did Ben make you smile?