Ben Elmer

Ben Ray Elmer (86), the patriarch of the Elmer Family, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born in Miami, Arizona, Ben spent most of his adult life in Dallas, Texas. He was a proud Texan. His father passed away when Ben was very young and through his father’s untimely passing, he learned the true value of family and became steadfast and passionate about taking care of them.

As a child he lived in Globe, Arizona where he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Ben graduated from Safford High School in 1955. He loved music. Ben could play the piano by ear and played in a rock-and-roll band. His favorite singer was Johnny Cash, and his family fondly remembers many holidays listening to Johnny Cash as they carved the Thanksgiving turkey or decorated the Christmas tree.

Ben graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Engineering, being the first member of his family to earn a college degree. While working and attending college, he met the love of his life and future wife.

Ben was a dedicated family man who wasn’t afraid of hard work. He raised his family on a small “Gentleman’s” farm where the family raised cows, goats, chickens and one mean quackless duck.

Ben was an Engineer for Honeywell where he worked on the ground floor of fiberoptic development, earning a patent for Honeywell and himself. He raised 5 independent children who carry on his legacy to this day. He was a patriot that loved his country. He loved to play cards and board games, his favorite being Joker. His other favorite past time was to play poker with his grandchildren and lighten their wallets. He enjoyed traveling and as an empty nester was able to travel to Australia, New Zealand, and Alaska to name a few. He especially enjoyed family ski vacations and cruises.

Ben will be missed dearly and always be remembered for his dedication and love for family.

Survived by his wife Frances Elmer of 64 years, his sons Jeffery Elmer, Phillip Elmer (and wife Pamela), and Christopher Elmer (and wife Krista), and his daughters Cynthia Stevens (and husband Len) and Jennifer Rae Elmer (and partner David Strosnider). Ben had 8 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren all of whom he adored. Preceded in death by his parents Timothy Eli and Katherine Hannah Elmer, his sisters June Sturgeon and Betty Ruth Skinner, and his brother Timothy Edward Elmer.

There will be a service to celebrate Ben’s life at 2:30, Friday, November 3, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.