Benjamin F. Haner, of Smithville, beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on January 24, 2017, nine days after emergency surgery.
Ben was born at the Haner Family Home in Galena, KS, on Feb. 25, 1944. His parents were Ralph Harlow Haner and Blanche (Moody) Haner. He graduated from Riverton High School, Class of 1962. After graduating he attended Pittsburg State University. Ben joined the USAF, where he received electronics training and accepted his first position with Univac. While training in Minneapolis, he met Patricia Quilling; they married in Menomonie, WI on August 7, 1971. They lived in Round Rock, TX for 28 years, before moving to Smithville, TX in 1999.
Ben served on the Round Rock Planning & Zoning Commission during Round Rock's initial growth period. When he moved to Round Rock the population was 2,000. Ben founded an electronics/network business in 1987; before that he worked at Tracor, Inc. for Harris Corporation.
Ben loved RV's, country dancing, hanging out with friends, playing table games and traveling; he toured every state and visited many foreign countries with Pat.
Ben was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Haner (1984); his mother, Blanche Haner (1991); as well as 3 brothers and 6 sisters, including his twin sister, Bessie Williams.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Quilling Haner; brother, William Haner (wife, Betty), and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Smithville Food Pantry, PO Box 433, Smithville, TX 78957 or Resolutions Hospice, 507 Old Austin Hwy, Bastrop, TX 78602.
A Celebration of Ben's life will be at 1:00pm on Monday, January 30, 2017 at Marrs-Jones Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Marrs-Jones Funeral Home, All Faiths of the Pines Chapel.
February 11, 2017
Cindy Woolston (Standley)
Aunt Pat, I am so sorry for our loss, but let me tell share a couple of memories about Uncle Ben. He was the youngest of my mothers siblings. He is the one who taught me how to tie my shoes before I went to Kindergarten, I remember him being very patient. I also remember him singing "Everybody loves somebody sometime" to my Aunt Mayme (his sister) and her responding "But I don't love you right now". I was just a child then so I don't know what she was upset about, but I still remember that. I remember a couple of the watermelon fights, but since I did not grow up in Kansas where those were popular, that aren't my most vivid memories. Ben was a lot of fun when we were growing up and he will be missed by us all. This picture has always been my favorite, not sure why, maybe because it shows his fun side?
January 30, 2017
Alice & Lowell Cook
When we count our blessings being graced with your friendship is certainly one of them. We're sure gonna miss you.
Run to Jesus, dear Ben.
Love and prayers to Pat and the family,
Ally & El See
January 30, 2017
Glad Waller
I am thinking Ben is already sitting on a very comfortable bench next to a rippling brook surrounded by a beautiful lush green lawn loaded with flowers. Birds singing sweetly as they greet him and welcome into the kingdom where we all are praying to be one day. Seeing our family and friends. It is a very lush place and free of pain and a place filled with much joy. So said your Uncle John . We are blessed to have been able to spend our lives with someone we loved and still do beyond measure. No matter the length of time we have together means nothing after we join our loved ones. God saw that Ben had completed his mission here on earth and just said My child it is time for you to come to me. You will always have the memories. I pray that soon we will be able to share in person.
Jesus loves you and so do I.
All my love always,
Tante Glad
January 29, 2017
John & Bonnie Bellinger
Our condolences, Pat. No words can express our sorrow.
We will sadly miss our dear friend, Ben. He was a great friend with whom, along with you, we enjoyed traveling, visiting, dancing, eating, and partying.
We will always appreciate Ben's helpfulness. As we conducted dance classes and dances, we could always count on Ben to be there early to help set up, and to stay late in order to help clean up. Whenever there was a task, Ben was the one to take it on, even if he wasn't asked.
Ben was one of the most generous people we have ever known. Every time we visited Ben and you, we were treated like royalty. Ben made sure every comfort was provided.
Ben was kind, generous, funny, and handsome! Who could ask for more?
We will undoubtedly miss Ben greatly for a long time to come.
With hugs and love to Pat,
John and Bonnie
January 29, 2017
Our condolences, Pat. No words can express our sorrow.
We will sadly miss our dear friend, Ben. He was a great friend with whom, along with you, we enjoyed traveling, visiting, dancing, eating, and partying.
We will always appreciate Ben's helpfulness. As we conducted dance classes and dances, we could always count on Ben to be there early to help set up, and to stay late in order to help clean up. Whenever there was a task, Ben was the one to take it on, even if he wasn't asked.
Ben was one of the most generous people we have ever known. Every time we visited Ben and you, we were treated like royalty. Ben made sure every comfort was provided.
Ben was kind, generous, funny, and handsome! Who could ask for more?
We will undoubtedly miss Ben greatly for a long time to come.
With hugs and love to Pat,
John and Bonnie
January 28, 2017
Richard & Marilyn Swaim
Pat, our hearts are broken too. Ben was our classmate, but more than that he was our good friend. We will never forget the visit we all had a few years ago. Fond memories. May God comfort you.
January 28, 2017
Kathy Thonney
Dear cousin...
I am so heartsick for you. I pray that the Lord is providing His peace, the peace you need. May all the photos you posted, and thousands more, bring smiles and happy memories. You were blessed to have lots of special times, and I can't really imagine your loss. I love you!
January 28, 2017
Richard & Marilyn Swaim
Pat, our hearts are broken too. Ben was our classmate but more than that he was a good friend. We will never forget the visit we had a few years back. Fond memories. May God comfort you.
January 28, 2017
Richard Alsenz
Pat, words just don't express the sadness I feel. I will miss him, If I can help your family in any way please let me know.
January 28, 2017
We will miss Ben. His wry sense of humor, his handsome face with the crooked smile, his shorts and cowboy boots while dancing and that head band, but will treasure the memories of a great guy and the fun times we had together. Love Barbara & Ernie ( Simpsonville,SC)
January 28, 2017
Pat, Sue and I are so sad and sorry to hear about Ben's passing. We thought about you two so often and remembered the good times. We passed through Smithville last weekend and talked about where you might live. I always loved working with Ben and have fond memories. I pray that God will bless you and give you comfort/peace. Give us a call sometime. Bill and Sue Gandy 512-431-7368
January 28, 2017
Sherry Albright
Our Uncle Ben-
Was the youngest -
handsome, strong , smart, brave, kind, generous, thoughtful and always RIGHT! It's a Haner thing....
We all have our favorite memories of times spent with him, most include a watermelon fight!
He was a planner, if you were traveling and made a stop in TX he wanted to help you plan your activities to make the best of your trip!
If you went out to dinner he was going to pay!
If you were going to build something he was going to tell you what materials to use,
if you were going to buy something he was going to tell you where to get the best deal.
He was a successful businessman, loving husband, world traveler, a great little brother, an amazing twin, and a caring brother-in-law, but to all of us he was Uncle Ben.
We loved him and will treasure our memories of him.
January 28, 2017
Kathy Loughmiller
Pat, Barbara forwarded Ben's obit to us this morning. I am so sorry to hear. I know how difficult this is for you. Please know that we are thinking of and praying for you. Love, Kathy Loughmiller
January 27, 2017
Armando Zamarripa
Pat, So sorry for your loss. I worked with Ben at Tracor. Where have the years gone? I haven't talked to Ben in some time and he was doing very well at the time. God Bless!
Armando Zamarripa
January 26, 2017
Carol Sutherland
Pat - I am so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. Went to school with him and Bessie for most of my school years! We will miss him at our cookouts and reunions!
January 26, 2017
Chris and jack Elliff
we are so sorry to learn about Ben. I know he will be missed by you and his many friends.
January 26, 2017
Elberta Clinton
Not only did Ben have six sisters and four brothers, he also had fourteen first cousins on the Moody side. As the only child of Lillian Moody Spence, his mother's sister; I was privileged to spend a great deal of my childhood with cousins. Precious memories. My mother was so thrilled to attend your wedding, Pat. She was so touched by the gracious hospitality of you and your family. She enjoyed seeing you two when you visited the area. Our adult lives separated us by distance as we moved from the Galena area to the East Coast. He and Pat did visit us once in the early seventies when we lived in Hillside, NJ . At a family reunion in 2014, he walked over to me and simply said "I'm Ben." We talked for a while--don't remember what we said just that it was a good feeling. Deepest sympathy, Pat. To be with you two for even a short time was enough to sense your devotion.
January 26, 2017
Jim and Vicki Holman
Pat, we are so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. He will be missed by many, including us! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim has many fond memories of Riverton School and Ben.
January 26, 2017
Tammy Bunce
I will never forget the first time I met both Ben and Pat. What a wonderful trip we had in mexico. I was treated like family . I am so terribly sorry for your loss Pat. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Fly high Ben and enjoy the party with your family up there...
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