Hynum, Ben F.

Obituary:  Benjamin F. Hynum Jr. - Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, OK

JUNE 16, 1926 ~ DECEMBER 3, 2013 (AGE 87)

Benjamin F. Hynum, Jr. passed away at his home in Grove, OK on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at the age of 87 following a short illness. Ben was born on June 16, 1926 in Tallulah, LA, the son of the late Benjamin F. Hynum, Sr. and Elizabeth (Tucker) Hynum. Ben retired from the US Army in 1971 after 26 years of service. He began his military career as an Apprentice Seaman on board a submarine during World War II. He left the United States Navy in 1946 and married Janice Smith in Tucson, AZ that same year. He enlisted in the US Army in 1949 and served in military intelligence for many years. Ben served as a military advisor to the Korean Army during the Korean conflict and was commissioned as a Captain in 1966 by direct appointment. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 as a battalion operations officer. Ben retired as a Major in 1971. Upon retirement from the military, Ben moved to Grove where he purchased the Skelly bulk petroleum business. During his years in Grove, he served as Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Police Commissioner and on the Grove City Council. He also served as a city manager in several Oklahoma communities over a three year period. Ben took pride in his family and especially in supporting his wife, Jan, a recently retired PBX operator for Grove General Hospital. Ben was an active member of Cornerstone Church and a current member of First Baptist Church. He was involved in several Grove events such as the "Remember 9/11" programs and the City of Grove Independence Day celebration. Ben was the driving force behind the Veteran's Memorial Walk and was proud of the city's cooperation in getting that accomplished. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Sandra Ann, and daughter Tina Elizabeth in infancy. He is survived by his wife Janice, two children Theresa Lloyd (Pat), Ben F. Hynum, III (Pam); four grandchildren, Melanie, Janna, Caleb and Joshua; five great-grandchildren, Lauren, Sammy, Justin, Bailey and Addison and one great-great-grandson, Garrison. The Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Grove on December 9, 2013 at 2 pm with the Rev. Jim Paslay presiding. Burial will follow at Olympus Cemetery in Grove. The family will greet friends from 4:30-5:30 pm on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at the Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel.

Visitation Details:  Sunday, December 8th, 2013 4:30pm - 5:30pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Grove

Service Details:  Monday, December 9th, 2013 2:00pm, First Baptist Church - Grove

Interment Details:  Olympus Cemetery