Benjamin Tibbits

Benjamin "Ben" Andrew Tibbits, 83, Lawrence, died peacefully August 9, 2018 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Ben was born June 14, 1935 in Topeka, the son of Earl Lee and Frances Tibbits. He graduated from Highland Park High School, Topeka, Kansas in 1954. Ben served as a cook in the Medical Company 137th Infantry of the Kansas Army National Guard, Topeka from 1955-1961. His final rank was corporal.

He was employed by Henry Manufacturing, Topeka. He moved to Lawrence in 1960 where he was employed as an accountant by Moore Associates and then Farmland Industries. He retired from Farmland Industries after 34 years as an accountant and later the office manager.

Ben married Carol Krause on May 22, 1955 in Burlington, KS. They had two daughters and divorced in 1983. He married Shirley Stultz on April 26, 1990 in Las Vegas.

Ben was long known for his positive outlook on life, sense of humor and ability to make an instant friend. He had a life long interest in woodworking and building and could often be found helping neighbors and friends with their repairs or home improvement projects. Ben enjoyed bowling, playing cards and dominoes with Shirley and traveling with his wife and friends. He was a simple man and though small in stature, he had a kind, generous heart and a mischievous wink.

Ben is survived by his wife Shirley, Lawrence; two daughters Tracy Back (Mark) Wildwood, MO and Kerri Daye (R. Mark) Medina, OH. He was very proud of his grandson R. Benjamin Daye, Medina, OH. Other survivors include stepchildren Fred Binkley (Karen) Denison, KS; Kelly Binkley (Kim) Topeka; seven step grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren; sisters Donna Elliott and Sharen Tibbits plus numerous nieces and nephews and good friends Tom and Debbie Kurtz, Lawrence; Jennifer Shambaugh, Overland Park, KS and Ed Samp Lawrence.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Michael Elliott, Thomas Tibbits and Robert Tibbits and two stepdaughters Susan Shackleford and Nancy McGee.

No services are planned. It was Ben’s wish for his family and friends to remember the good old times.

Online condolences may be made at rumsey-yost.com