Bennie (Ben) Ross Herrell was born in Fox, Oklahoma September 9, 1927, the youngest of four children of Charley and Stella Herrell. Ben passed from this world October 13 after a brief illness.
Ben grew up in Southern Oklahoma in the Dillard oil field, near Fox, Oklahoma in Carter County. He attended Fox High School before leaving at the end of his junior year where he was President of the Student Body and joined the Merchant Marines at age 16. Ben returned after a tour of duty in the Pacific Theatre and graduated in 1946 from Duncan High School, Duncan, Oklahoma. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Oklahoma. He was a member of the Football and Boxing teams. Ben was a Golden Glove boxing champion in Oklahoma before college. He spent most of his boxing time as a member the Daily Oklahoman boxing team.
During Ben's freshman year at Oklahoma he quit college and enlisted in the Army spending the next five years in Japan and Korea. Ben's longest post was in Tokyo, Japan as part of "C" Company of the 720th MP Battalion. Ben retired from the Army in 1951 and again after being recalled to Korea. Dad was a decorated combat veteran receiving two Bronze Stars while serving in Korea.
Ben was an entrepreneur, dreamer, inventor and author who spent most of this career in the Human Resource / Insurance and Risk Management business. He started and sold dozens of companies in his life including Insurance Agencies, Health Care Companies, Country Stores and Real Estate. He was a pioneer in the Insurance and HR Outsourcing industries. He was a Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) member. Dad returned to the oil patch in early 1953 around Hollis, New Mexico and exited the oil patch after a stand of drill pipe landed on his foot. Fate landed him at Aetna Life & Casualty in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where is spent the next 18 years traveling coast to coast as Regional Controller at Aetna. Dad was happiest when he was running several businesses at the same time with family and friends as partners. Once an idea was proven he was onto the next one.
Ben was the Husband of his wife of 56 years. He met Patricia Loftis Evans on a blind date in Oklahoma City. Ben's traveling continued in marriage owning more than a dozen homes from coast to coast, eventually returning to Arkansas and Oklahoma in the 1970's.
Ben was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, brother J.W. (Dub) Herrell and Sister Betty Wood. He is survived by a Sister Jean Scott of Amarillo, Texas and numerous Nieces and Nephews. Ben was a Father and Grandfather. He was preceded in death by daughter Paula Adams, granddaughter Natalie Adams and great grandson Harper Herrell. He is survived by his wife Pat of Fort Smith, Arkansas, sons Ben Herrell, Jr. of Catoosa, Oklahoma and Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Julie Herrell of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Grandsons Cole Adams, Tyler Herrell, Nicholas Herrell, Thomas Herrell, Harrison Herrell, George Herrell. Granddaughter Rachel Herrell, Great Granddaughter Kennedy Adams and Great Grandson Sampson Herrell.
Graveside Memorial Service will be Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Greenhill Cemetery 1500 N. York in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: American Parkinson Disease Association, - Oklahoma Chapter, PO Box 3113, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74013. Visit www.okparkinsons.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 3, 2016
Krista Toney
I remember I was very new to the insurance business when I began at Beckman Company and Ben worked there. He was an aggressive salesman and worked hard & built many relationships. It was a pleasure working with him and now fast forward 25 years and I am working with Jeff as well. Prayers of comfort to all the Herrell family.
November 1, 2016
Dennis Scott
Uncle Ben was involved in my life from the very start of my life, and Uncle Ben was one who helped shape my life from that point forward. He always called us "Nubbin" when we were kids, but when we started into manhood he was a councilor, encourager, work provider, back bone stiffener, and growth challenger to all of us. Uncle Ben would provide a smile and hug when those fit best, but wasn't afraid to "lay it out like it was" when a frank discussion fit best as well. Uncle Ben was a professional, and took pride in his work at Aetna where he was a huge success. Uncle Ben was always looking to make the most of any opportunity coming his way, this was the dreamer side of him. I believe many famous men dared others to dream, and to strive to make those dreams come true. My memory of Uncle Ben will always be, what a Man, what a Man, What a Man! God take you in His Arms, and hold you now, Uncle Ben, just like you did when we were little boys.
October 18, 2016
Martin Beckman
I always enjoyed working with Ben when he lived in Muskogee. He was true gentleman and was always very professional, enthusiastic and optimistic. We will miss him and have your family and him in our prayers.
October 17, 2016
Carolyn Evans
Jeff, I met your Dad not long after your Mom did. Your Mom and I were roommates and I knew right away that Ben was special in her life. I was engaged and later married Jim Evans. As newly married couples we had many good times together. We spent several years in close
proximity to each other as we welcomed children into our families. Your Mom, Pat, and I share a close bond. I'm there for her. Wishing you and your family God's peace and love, Carolyn Evans
October 17, 2016
Billy Lawler
Thinking of you Jeff in this time of sorrow. Your dad was awesome. Blessings to your family.
October 17, 2016
Glynda Herndon
Your family became my family when Ben came to Durant to manage the insurance agency. We had some good times and worked very hard at times. I have missed you all. Private message me the name of the cemetery. My blessing to each of you. Glynda Herndon, Durant, Ok
October 17, 2016
Keath Storm
Jeff and Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. You were blessed to have such a great man in your family!
October 17, 2016
Melanie Grayson
Jeff and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
October 16, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that losing a loved one is not easy, but our faith in God's promises can help us get through difficult times like this. I hope you will find comfort in God's promise at John 11:24-25. Knowing that there is a future for those we have lost in death can be very reassuring!
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