Ben Old

Ben Ray Old passed from this life on March 14, 2025 after fully fulfilling his dash; that dash being every bright, beautiful and bittersweet moment between July 16, 1946 and a gusty, gross, brown March day. He was born to parents Archie and Fern Old and had one brother, Joe. Growing up the family was quite poor and moved around frequently and Ben became quite adept at learning to entertain himself and find the joys wherever he was. Growing up in multiple places, but fondly remembering Roswell, NM, he could remember every street and dirt road he trailed. After graduating from Lubbock High, he went on to cause a ruckus at Lubbock Christian College and found all the late-night diners that served free coffee, the cheapest buffets and occasionally went to actual classes, all the while frequently causing friendly disturbances with neighboring Texas Tech.

It was at Lubbock Christian that he met his sweetheart, Deborah Kaye, and they were married on February 11,1967. They had two daughters, Tanna Jo and Amy Lee, TJ and MonkeyShine respectively nicknamed by him. He was a self-taught man in the world of hard work and sometimes hard knocks and graduated both with honors. When Ben and Deb first got married, he embarked on the journey of finding the perfect job. He was a route driver for a few companies, eventually landing at Imperial. When the girls were young, Ben and Deb moved to Clovis where he began his career with the Clovis Fire Department. He went on to become an EMT and an engineer. He eventually earned a degree in fire science and went on to teach fire safety at the ENMU Clovis campus. He loved his time with the CFD and made a multitude of close friends and brothers. Ben cheated death on April 30, 1983 when a fire broke out at the then State Theater on Main Street in downtown Clovis. He was assigned to check hot spots in the attic when the floor gave way, and he came crashing down onto the theater seats below him. Fueled by adrenaline, he got up and ran out onto Main Street where he had to be tackled in the street to be assessed. He had suffered massive internal trauma and shredded his shoulders from trying to hold on before the fall, breaking a kneecap when he hit the seats. He went on to recover, was given a key to the City, and eventually went back to his duties. He officially hung up his gear in 1996, retiring from a 22-year career.

Life revolved around the 24 on / 48 off schedule of a fireman and the entire family participated and sacrificed. Ben always worked on his off days and the side jobs were just as much a part of his life as his career. He was an exterminator, an aid and companion to a blind man, a propane delivery driver, a substitute teacher, a construction yard man, handyman - so many things in between. Ben and Deb were popular chaperones on their girls' choir trips and became fixtures in that program, eventually having a parent-volunteer award named after them. After retirement, he started driving activity buses for the Clovis Schools and before long, he was the hottest ticket in town. All of the teams that he drove for requested him because was nothing like a Mr. Ben cheering for your team in the stands! His favorite times were driving for the Lady Wildcats during their state championship basketball runs. He was also a favorite of field trips for the CMS elementary schools. It was on those trips that he taught many kids and teachers alike how to fish, many of them getting their first catch.

In early 2010 he became the most cherished nurse and caregiver to Deb when she was diagnosed with cancer. He took care of her every single day, every trip and treatment. After her death, he was determined to stay active and enjoy life and became an active member of the Clovis Senior Citizen community. Before Covid he traveled multiple times with them on their yearly trips and eating lunch at the center every weekday that the menu looked good. He became an avid baker, particularly pies, and made and canned his own jams and jellies. He was a collector of friends, and they brought a special fullness to his life. From his coffee buddies with whom he'd solve the world's problems with every day at McDonald's, to his circle that became such an integral part of his life, he was blessed by them daily.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed as much time outdoors as possible. Before his health started to falter, he would work as a camp host at Sugarite State Park and spent countless hours walking and biking all over Clovis and wherever he traveled. He was the original MacGyver, creating a solution to any problem that popped up, generally with what was in either his shirt pocket or on his keyring. He was a straight-shooter and you always knew where you stood with him. He was a fixture at Clovis Wildcat basketball games and always wrote a paper check for his tickets. 2025 was a brave new time for him as he had internet installed for the first time at his house and with the help of his neighbor, got set up with a smart TV. He always had a crossword or word search puzzle and a Sudoku game handy, always having a brain puzzle of some sort within arm's reach. He always had a joke and a story for any occasion and had the best laugh. He was a decades-long member of 16th & Pile Church of Christ and after Deb passed in 2011, he went to 21st Street Church of Christ to be with Ricky and Amy and the kids.

Of all the things he did and had, his greatest joy on earth was his family, specifically his grandchildren - Kyle and Shelby and Carson and Rori. He rocked them to sleep by singing Sink the Bismarck and through the years, would listen to whatever they were into at least once. He would do anything and everything for them, travel to wherever they were playing ball or to support whatever activity they were doing. His favorite title was Poppy and the kids shared well, making him an honorary Poppy to many, including those that didn't have one.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Deborah Kaye, his parents Archie and Fern, his brother Joe, and his in-laws Al and Jo Lee. He is survived by his daughters and their families Tanna and Bobby Phillips, Rori Phillips, and Carson and Lillea Phillips, Amy and Ricky Wilson, Kyle and Shelby Wilson. He leaves behind a host of extended relatives and countless friends.

Services will be held Thursday morning at 11:00AM MST at Steed Todd in Clovis, NM, 800 E Manana Boulevard, officiated by Benny Baker. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Honorary pall bearers will be his treasures Kyle and Shelby Wilson, Carson and Rori Phillips, and the friends he held so dearly - Bonnie Majewski, Lucy Hartle, Don Young, Jimmy Denton, Dudley Clark and Albert Gutierrez. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in his memory to the High Plains Christian Children's Home or Senior Services - MEAL SITE, City of Clovis.