Ben B. Wilmoth was born on November 25, 1948 in Pleasant Hill, Missouri to Dale and Inell (Foster) Wilmoth and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at the age of 73, with his wife by his side.
Ben was a life-long resident of Pleasant Hill. After graduating from Pleasant Hill High School in 1966, he worked at Western Electric in Lee’s Summit, Missouri until drafted by the US Army in 1968. During his term he served in Vietnam from 1969-1970.
On November 23, 1970, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Karen Jean Michael in Miami, Oklahoma. They were happily married for 51 years, raised three children that he devoted his life to, and also blessed with six grandkids that he loved unconditionally.
He worked hard doing concrete construction and in 1999 he and Little Ben started Wilmoth’s Basement. With his experience, drive, expertise, and knowledge that he passed on, Wilmoth’s Basement is still going strong. Everyone loved him, he never met a stranger, he had too many friends to count that all hold a special memory with a story to share.
He worked hard but he played harder. He loved listening to his dogs on a good coyote or rabbit hunt. He loved riding or working his team of mules. He could sit for hours and watch the cattle and cruise along Wilmoth Road in his John Deere buggy visiting lifelong neighbors he considered family. He was the best PaPa that his six grandkids could ever have as he loved them with all of his heart, spoiled them, and made them as ornery as he was.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Jean Wilmoth of the home, daughter, Amy Wilmoth Cook, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Amanda (Bill) Eagan, Odessa, Missouri and Ben (Stacey) Wilmoth, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Grandkids, Kaylee Wilmoth, Samantha Eagan, Megan Eagan, Emily Cook, Houston Eagan and Hunter Wilmoth. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt and uncle, and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Inell (Foster) Wilmoth and Brother, Jerry Dale Wilmoth.
In Memory of Ben B. Wilmoth, a Graveside Service with Full Military Honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, with Ronnie Ponder officiating. Casket Bearers are Hunter Wilmoth, Houston Eagan, Josh Mefford, Jacob Wilmoth, Jeffrey Wilmoth, Andy Jones, Scott Pace and P. J. Seaboldt. Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.
Masks are recommended.
Arrangements entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home
24 Messages
To all of you Ben was a great man. I’m so sorry for you’re loss. My brother Jerry Schlagle thought so much of Ben . My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family
Sending hugs and love.. What can u say about a man who broke the mold. Made everyone he knew feel special. He will be deeply missed by my family.. forever our Santa
Oh sweet Katen. I was so saddened to see that you lost your sweetie. I am sure he at peace with the beautiful family he had with you. I hope your fond memories keep you strong until you are reunited in heaven. Love to you and your family.
Condolences to the family. May he Rest in Peace.
Having gone to school with the Wilmoth clan (Ben & Jerry), and having their offspring in sports and school, I know what onery is. Let us hope that Ben doesn’t want to shower us with this from above! We will miss your smile and personality. Go rest in peace without the pain.
We are so sorry for all of your loss of Ben. May God comfort you all with his love today and in the days ahead. Thinking of all of you. Billy & Marcella Ellifrits
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ben was a fine man. The world would be a much better place with more men like him. Rest in peace
I am so sorry for your loss.prayers to your family.
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