James Benjamin “Ben” Shell, 94, died December 31, 2016, in Denton, Texas. He was born July 19, 1922 in Sheridan, Wyoming, the third child of eight children born to Lawrence Conrad Shell and Elizabeth Agnes Roark Shell. His family called him “Benny”.
Ben attended Arvada/Clearmont High School in Clearmont, Wyoming, but left just prior to the start of his senior year in 1942 and enlisted in the United States Army on August 21, 1942. He received an honorable discharge on December 27, 1945 having attained the rank of Technician Third Grade. Having served his country during World War II was a great source of pride for him. In May of 2001, Ben was given an honorary high school diploma due to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ program, Operation Recognition, assisting veterans who were unable to complete their education because of war. He received the diploma at ACHS during their graduation ceremony.
Returning from military service, he later met and married Margaret Josephine Thompson, also of Sheridan, on August 25, 1948. They were married over 60 years until her death in May of 2009. Their love and devotion to each other was a tribute to God’s perfect plan for their lives. They enjoyed three children, seven grandchildren, and now have 20 great grandchildren.
Over the years, Mr. Shell worked in the oil fields and owned a water well drilling business with a partner. After retirement, he drove school buses for the Sheridan School District.
Ben was an active, faithful member of local churches in the towns he lived in and served as a deacon through many of those years. It was the work of God, through Ben and Marge’s son, Jim, that brought them to church and later to knowing Christ as their Savior.
Ben was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Shell; son, James Shell; daughter, Judy Day; his parents, 4 brothers and a sister.
Ben is survived by his daughter Cherie Montgomery; his precious grandchildren Kelley Hobson, Tracy Jones, Jerry Day, Jacob Day, Jenni Bleth, Alison Creed, and Ashley Whisenhunt; 20 delightful great grandchildren; brother George Shell and sister Jeanette Zowada.
The graveside service is Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11:00 at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, Texas. The viewing will be at 10:00 Saturday at Heartland Funeral Home of Early, Texas.
