Benjamin "Ben" W. Olds

Ben was born Benjamin Michael Flask on May 3, 1934. When Ben was 19 month old, his mother died and he was taken in by a neighbor and her husband who had not been able to have any children. At first, his biological father paid for his care, but he more or less abandoned Ben after a few months old. The couple, William and Amelia Olds cared for him until adulthood.

Ben joined the Military Cadet program at the age of 14. When he finished high school he joined the Air Force during the Korean War, but he was never sent to Korea. He served time in France after the Korean War ended. He was always a member of a Reserve Guard unit and wanted to go to Vietnam once that conflict started. In order to go to Vietnam, he joined the Marines. Being a Marine was one of the highlights of his life.

Before joining the Marines, he legally changed his name to Benjamin William Olds to honor the couple who had raised him.

Ben served in Vietnam for a year and spent much of his time in the jungle. He was very proud of being a Marine.

Ben continued to be in a Reserve Unit and once again was on Active Duty during Desert Storm. He then spent time in Germany and later Spain, retiring from the Air Force in December, 1993.

During civilian life, Ben worked in hospital security as well as working for the United States Post Office.

Ben received an associated degree from Florida after serving time in Vietnam.

Ben and Kathryn met in July, 1983 and were married February 17, 1984. Ben loved his step-children and step-grandchildren as much as if they had been blood relatives. One of the grandsons is now a registered nurse at the VA in Houston, having been inspired by Ben.

Ben's biological family are now deceased with the exception of five nephews and two nieces.

Ben loved to travel. He was never happier than when he was behind the wheel of his beloved conversion van.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, January 28th at Baggerley Funeral Home, located in Edmond, Oklahoma with a burial to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery.