Albert Ben Beerbower

Albert Ben Beerbower died on April 19, 2023 at the age of 96. He was born in 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa. His family moved to Texas in the early 1940’s, and Ben’s father became the owner of Hi-Way Equipment Company in Houston. Ben enlisted in the Army in 1945 at the age of 18. He served in occupied Germany after VE Day as an airplane mechanic and MP. When he returned home, he attended college, then dental school, and practiced dentistry for many years.

Ben married Irma Jean Wilson in 1949, and they had one daughter, Barbara Lynn. Ben and Jean were happily married until Jean’s death in 2017.

Ben had many talents and loved building and fixing things. He was a radio-controlled model airplane enthusiast for his entire adult life. He built and flew countless planes. Many were detailed replicas of planes that flew during both World Wars.

He also restored two antique cars (a Model A Ford and an Auburn) and a 1940’s Harley Davidson motorcycle. Ben was also a talented organist and continued to play until his death.

Ben was loved and respected by all who knew him, and he was always devoted to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean and brother David Beerbower. He is survived by his daughter Barbara West, her husband Carey West, and their daughter Allison Plaza, her husband Francisco, and their two daughters Amber and Olivia. Ben is also survived by his nephew John Beerbower, his wife Michelle, and their two daughters Krista May, her husband Mike, and their daughter Isla, and Kaci Smith and her husband Andrew.

Ben’s Memorial Service will be on June 9 at 10:00 am at Forest Park Westheimer.