Benjamin Dean Biggs

Ben was born on October 23, 1931, in Charleston, IL, to Arthur and Elsie (Walters) Biggs. He was the youngest of their nine children. His parents, siblings and their spouses – Russell (Kathleen) Biggs, Harley (Lois) Biggs, Flossie Biggs, Esther (Robert) Wright, Geneva (Merrill) Chew, Eva (Hilbert) Gardner, Kate (Henry) Bock and Jack (Betty) Biggs – all preceded him in death.

While living in Casey, IL, on March 16, 1952, Ben married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Ann Savage. She also preceded him in death on March 2, 2018, after they had enjoyed nearly 66 years of marriage.

Surviving are his children and their spouses, Brent (Barbara) Biggs of Bloomington, IL, Brenda (Mark) Merritt of Fayetteville, GA and Michael (Heather) Biggs of Kansas City, MO. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren Allison (Michael) Stephey, Christina Biggs, Hayley (Ryan) Ellis, Brian (Kelley) Merritt and Kyle (Madison) Merritt and great-grandchildren Natalie, Harper and Jackson Stephey and Cooper Ellis.

After his graduation from Casey, IL high school, Ben went to work for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, until being inducted into the U.S, Army in 1952. Following his induction, he served from July 1952 – July 1954. He was assigned to the 36th Field Artillery Group in Germany, before being honorably discharged, with a rank of Corporal, at Fort Sheridan, IL in 1954.

Ben returned to his railroad job, after his discharge from active duty. He worked as a dispatcher at the Ellis, IL train depot; distributing messages on train scheduling via the Morse code telegraph system, until 1964 when the railroad industry had a consolidation phase. He then worked various jobs, including one with the U.S. Post Office as a mail carrier, before finding his ultimate career in marketing and sales, first with Dolly Madison and then for several years with Hostess Cakes before retiring.

Ben didn’t know a stranger and always had a story to share with everyone. He had a booming laugh that was usually combined with a knee slap or two. He believed in the value of a work ethic and being responsible. He also thought it was best to keep on keeping on and he would frequently remind us, “This too shall pass”.

From his time working as a train dispatcher, Ben maintained a love of trains. He also enjoyed being outdoors; working in his yard and watching the local wildlife, especially birds flocking to his many feeders. And, though he protected his bird feeders from the squirrels, he would still provide them their own snacks. Being outdoors often, he became a master grilling/smoking chef and would cook up the best grilled chicken, hamburgers, steaks, and more, beginning on a Weber kettle and then with a Green Egg smoker.

Ben was a lifelong devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and was thrilled to see their World Series victory in 2016. He liked woodworking and sudoku puzzles, as well. He greatly enjoyed classic country music, Hershey’s chocolate, chocolate milkshakes, and pecan pie. Yet, perhaps most of all, Ben loved going on golf cart rides with his wife Joyce and their dog, Bella, on the golf cart trails when they lived in Peachtree City, GA.

Ben was loved by family and friends. He will be deeply missed and the memories of him will be preciously kept by all who have survived him. Rest in peace Dad/Grandpa/Great-Grandpa.

Cremation will be accorded and his family is being assisted by East Lawn Funeral Home. While no memorial service will be held at this time, a celebration of life is intended to be scheduled at a later date.