MSG (Ret) Benjamin Franklin Dumas

Benjamin Franklin Dumas went home to be with his Lord March 26, 2011, at his home near Waynesville, Missouri, at the age of 92 years and 11 days. Ben was the fourth of eight children born to the union of the late Mary Susan (Horton) and Mattie Howard Dumas. He was born on March 15, 1919 in Collinston, Louisiana. On November 8, 1945, Ben was united in marriage to Daisy Gabriel in Preston, England. They shared many wonderful years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Scott, Benny and Susan. Ben grew up and attended school in the Oak Grove, Louisiana area. In 1940, Ben joined the CC Camp and then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served his country faithfully for over 20 years. He was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War, and received the Bronze Star, along with other awards and commendations. Master Sergeant Dumas retired from active duty service in 1964 at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. In 1965, Ben accepted a civil service position at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital at Ft. Leonard Wood. He worked at the hospital until 1982. Ben was a life member of VFW Post 3168 in Laquey, American Legion Post 331 in St. Robert, and the D.A.V. Chapter 49 in Crocker. He was a great cook and enjoyed sharing his baked goods with others. He was also an avid reader. He loved his flower and vegetable gardens. He was proud of the fact that he grew an 8 pound cabbage and a radish that was 8 inches in circumference. Ben had a deep, faithful trust in his Lord Jesus Christ, and will be missed by his church family at the Christian Church of Waynesville. Ben is survived by his children: Scott (JoJean) and Benny (Patti) Dumas of Waynesville and Susan Morris Holloway (Bill) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his siblings: Charles Dumas and Velma Louise King both of Bastrop, Louisiana; seven grandchildren: Bryan and Nicholas Morris and Benny, Danny, David, Christopher and Steven Dumas; nineteen great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Ben was also preceded in death by his wife: Daisy and five siblings: Timothy Oliver Dumas, James Howard Dumas, William Dumas, Thomas Dumas and Eva Mae Dumas. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory with Doug Cage officiating. Ben’s son-in-law, Bill Holloway recalled his wonderful memories of Ben. The songs “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” and “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone” were played. Ben’s grandson, Nicholas Morris, sang “The Lord’s Prayer”. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ben Dumas to the American Heart Association and may be left at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret) Benjamin Franklin Dumas

March 15, 1919 - March 26, 2011