Visitation
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM CDT
Schreffler Funeral Homes
Bourbonnais Location
1100 N. Convent St.
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 932-2421
Driving Directions
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Distinctive Floral Design by Schreffler
(888) 339-1588
Life Story / Obituary
Much can be said about a man like Ben E. McCrary. Foremost, he was a man of faith who loved his family deeply. Always the hard worker, from his earliest years he possessed an intelligent nature which served him well throughout life. Ben was a proud Veteran having honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He leaves behind treasured times, cherished memories, fond remembrances and will be sadly missed.
Ben's story began in a year that played a significant role in American history. As World War II raged overseas, rationing took place on the home front and women entered the workforce in droves to replace men who were off to war. A worrisome time at home in the states, the entertainment world brought welcome relief while American baseball created a needed diversion during these times of struggle. Among the chaos, nestled in the small community of Mullens, West Virginia, Jesse and Clarice (Wheeler) McCrary welcomed the blessed birth of their son, Ben E. McCrary on July 29, 1944.
Ben's father was a hard working man and over the years he had several jobs that supported his family. Those jobs included working as a coal miner, working on boilers for the railroad and was in charge of maintenance at a large Baptist church where the family resided for many years. His mother remained at home as a homemaker and took care of Ben as well as his siblings. During his youth his family moved several times. He grew up living in the states of West Virginia, Florida and Michigan.
From his earliest years Ben proved to be a bright child. He often struggled in school, but not for lack of ability. He was a highly intelligent boy and was simply bored when it came to the studies he already surpassed. As a young man he played the violin, and had a knack for most things mechanical. He could take something apart, and as if it were second nature to him, he'd be able to put it back together in no time. Quite knowledgeable in many areas, he could fix anything and later enjoyed working on computers in his spare time.
After high school Ben proudly served his country as a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he furthered his education and went on to a career working in industrial electronics for the next 20 plus years. He most recently worked for Greif Incorporated in Bradley, IL.
Faith played an integral role in Ben's life from his earliest years. Just before celebrating the Christmas holiday in 1971, Ben met the young woman who came to hold the key to his heart. Ruth Wilkinson left quite an impression with Ben after they met at Kemton Nazarene Church. Their memorable "first date" was spent driving around looking for an Olivet student who accidentally left her briefcase at the church. Ruth knew her whereabouts, so Ben asked her to come along. The following spring break in 1972 Ruth even traveled to Fargo, North Dakota to see Ben while he was still in the air force. That same year after they both returned from visiting their parents, Ben asked his family to return from their trip early so he could ask Ruth to marry him.
Two weeks later back in Kempton, Illinois, Ben's brother-in-law, the Rev. John Story, blessed Ben and Ruth as husband and wife on January 19, 1973. Together they began a life filled with love, mutual respect, commitment and understanding. In time they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Melissa in 1978, and their son, Brian arrived 15 months later. Bourbonnais was where Ben and Ruth made their family home and where many fond memories and memorable times will be recalled for years to come.
Ben was a hard worker and a great teacher to his children. Lovingly patient, as they grew older he taught them many things about autos, electrical workings, and more. Together as a family they shared many special times. Christmases were enjoyed each year opening stockings, having cinnamon rolls and opening their gifts before enjoying Ruth's delicious breakfast casserole. There was something very special about driving around town each year to look at all the beautiful Christmas lights together. Ben particularly loved this time with his family.
Friday, April 8, 2011 was a sad day for all who knew and loved Ben McCrary. At the age of 66, it marked the day he was tragically killed in a machine accident. A devoted husband, dedicated father, loving grandfather, and faithful brother and friend, he will be forever remembered in the hearts of many.
Ben is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Melissa and John Basham of Aroma Park IL; son, Brian and Amy McCrary of Bourbonnais IL; sister, Sandra and Rev. John Story of Kankakee IL; grandchildren: Morgan Schoon, Nathan Basham, Addison McCrary and Bria McCrary; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Clarence and Dean.
A celebration of Ben's life will be Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 10:00 AM at the Manteno Church of the Nazarene with the Rev. Jack McCormick officiating. A gathering for family and friends will be Tuesday, April 12, 2011 from 4-8 PM at the Bourbonnais Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes and also from 9:30 AM until the start of the funeral service on Wednesday at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Ben or to sign his online guest book.