Benjamin Paul Herman's Obituary
Benjamin Paul Herman, 100, passed away, peacefully, on 7 January 2015 with his grandson by his side. He never recovered from the heartbreak of losing his wife of 77 years, Sara Howse Herman in February of 2014.Ben P. Herman was born 29 March 1914 in Nelson, Oklahoma to the late Benjamin Polk and Pearl (McDonald) Herman. The oldest of seven children, Ben was preceded in death by all of his siblings, except for his youngest brother, Valton Herman.Ben had a ready wit, an engaging demeanor, and an unending supply of stories. He never met a stranger – just friends he hadn’t made yet. He had friends and family in every part of the country. He started his professional life as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Oklahoma. Although he loved teaching, he leapt at the opportunity to work for the Federal Government, in charge of supporting savings and war bonds.A member of the greatest generation, Ben and all his eligible siblings served in World War II. He was a sharpshooter and a artillery spotter for the HQ Battery 672D FA BN. He received a Bronze Star, a World War II Victory ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, EAME theatre ribbon for service in Germany, and an Army of Occupation ribbon.He retired as the Deputy Director of the National Records and Archives office in Chicago. In 1971, Ben and his wife Sara moved from Chicago to Cape Coral. He and Sara enjoyed life as retirees in Florida. Ben was often found on the golf course, winning Senior’s tournaments well into his 80s. He shared his passion for fishing with his wife, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a vast array of family and friends. Avid travelers, Ben and Sara travelled to Canada and all 50 states. They were active in the First Baptist Church of Cape Coral. On Sunday mornings, Ben would sit down with the crossword puzzle and finish it, in pen, before going to Bible Study. His faith in God sustained him.Left to share his story and memory are his brother Valton Herman and his wife Nori; son Ben H. Herman and his wife Betty; grandchildren, Holly (Herman) and Russell Powell, Benjamin A. Herman, Robert Herman, Emily Rutkowski, and Paul and Jody (Lancia) Rutkowski; great-grandchildren, Chloe and Ryan Powell, Shea, Benjamin, Matthew and Emma Herman; and family across the country.There will be a visitation on Monday, 12 January 2015 from 10:00 to 11:00 am followed by Funeral services at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Cape Coral, 417 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, Florida 33904. Entombment will be at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery at a later date.The Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home has been entrusted with Ben’s care.Memories and condolences may be left online at www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Benjamin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Benjamin?
Share a story where Benjamin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Benjamin you’ll never forget.
How did Benjamin make you smile?