Born November 25, 1932, in Jacksonville, Florida, Ben ("Mack") was the youngest of six children (three of whom died in infancy) born to Dennard Cumbus and Janie Almira "Alma" Conner.
He lied about his age and joined the newly formed United States Air Force in 1947, retiring after a 30-year career, which included tours in Korea and Vietnam during those conflicts, as well as serving around the world as a proud Cold War warrior. He felt very privileged to have spent more than half of his career with the Strategic Air Command. He was a Bronze Star recipient.
After retiring from the military, he obtained a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University and master's degrees in secondary education and guidance counseling from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He then started a 12-year career with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as a psychological assistant.
Ben enjoyed fishing, golfing, collecting and shooting guns. For over 30 years, he enjoyed trout fishing/golf vacations at his timeshare in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Ben is survived by his children Craig (Jill) Cumbus, Cindy Hatton and Chrissy (Rick) Bagwell, his brother-in-law Al King, his former sister-in-law Deanie Cumbus, his former son-in-law Brad Hatton, his grandchildren James Bagwell and Ryan and Taylor Hatton, and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Sarah and his brother Bobby.
Services with military honors to take place at the Killeen Texas Veterans Cemetery, 11463 State Highway 195 , Killeen, TX 76542, on August 11, 2017 at 10:00 am.
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