Benjamin Richard Buckwalter

Benjamin “Ben” Richard Buckwalter was called home suddenly by his Heavenly Father on December 10, 2018, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Ben was born on January 7, 1952 in Lititz, Pennsylvania, the 9th of 10 children to Jacob and Fannie Buckwalter.  He left Pennsylvania in 1974 when he went to Alabama with the Mennonite Relief Service to help with a tornado outbreak disaster.  He planned on staying two weeks and ended up being there for a number of years.  He eventually moved on to Texas where he was involved with many different outreach ministries.  He met his wife Vickie Cavanaugh at the Mesquite Rodeo.  They were married on April 17, 1993 and settled in the Collin County Texas area.

Ben was always a true gentleman and a cowboy with a twinkle in his eyes.  He was a strong believer and held his relationship with God first.  He loved the cowboy way and was hardly ever seen without his wranglers, hat and boots.  He refurbished an 1800’s stagecoach and he built a working chuck wagon. Ben and his wife were regulars with the stagecoach or chuck wagon at various celebrations, always dressed in period attire.  He was the driver of his own stagecoach in a movie production in 2009 called Hells Fury; Wanted Dead or Alive .  Ben was always busy creating and building.   The outbuildings he had on his small ranch in Anna, Texas had western themed facades that took you back to the old west.

Ben was preceded in death by his father Jacob, his mother Fannie, his sister Fannie Shell and her husband Charlie.  He is survived by his wife Vickie, his siblings Mary (Gerald) Brubaker, Naomi (Paul) Harring, Jake (Rhoda) Buckwalter, John Buckwalter, Dan (Helen) Buckwalter, David (Sandy) Buckwalter, Sue (Kim) Arbaugh, Ruth (Jim) Willis and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ben cared deeply about the needs of others. He worked tirelessly and contributed generously to show the love of Christ, to see the hungry fed and the needy clothed.  He led by example and asked others to support and work together to meet these needs.  Please honor Ben's heart for these ministries and contribute as you feel led to the churches that will continue to carry his legacy forward.

A few months ago, Ben and Vickie started a new Missions Fund at their home church, Crossroads Cowboy Church - working with “Feed the Need” to nurture school age children who do not have food at home.  They also provide Bibles, blankets and basic needs of individuals and families in the community.

Crossroads Community Church

Missions Fund - Feed the Need

PO Box 2797, McKinney, TX  75070

http://crossroadscowboychurch.com/give.html

In 2012, Ben launched the G6 Ministry at North Texas Trinity Texas Church to met the basic needs of people in the community.  This ministry continues to make a significant impact each year.

North Texas Trinity Cowboy Church - G6 Ministry

PO Box 1275, Sanger, TX  76266

A Celebration to honor Ben’s Life will be held on Tuesday December 18, 2018  at 2:00 pm at Rock Creek Ranch, Crossroads Cowboy Church, 4934 FM 1461 McKinney, TX. 75071.