BOURBON – Benjamin O. Cretcher, 87, Bourbon, passed away at 11:40 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Community Hospital of Bremen.
Benjamin was born the son of Floyd Cretcher and Blanche Long Cretcher Dec. 22, 1929, in Elkhart. He has been a life-long resident of Bourbon. He married Maxine R. Wilson at her Warsaw home on Nov. 16, 1952. She preceeded him in death March 24, 2017.
Ben worked for United Technologies, Leer Corporation, Boise Cascade, Bendix, Gulf Stream trailer factories, Elkhart Coach and he also delivered parts for Ridge Company and NAPA Auto. He was a graduate of Tippecanoe High School, and he and his wife had been members of Sunrise Chapel of Plymouth. They were at the starting of the church and at the last service. Ben and Maxine spent their winters in Florida. Ben was a veteran of the United States Army, serving 1954 to 1956 in the Korean War and specialized in machine gun and heavy artillery repairs.
Ben is survived by his children: Benjamin Ray (Carol) Cretcher, of Bourbon; Sharon Middaugh, of Plymouth, and Floyd J. (Melissa) Cretcher, of Bourbon. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren: Shawn (Kim) Cretcher, Selenna Cretcher, Natasha (Nick) Shafer, Nathanael (Lindsey) Middaugh, Nanette (Jason) Crockett, Gabrielle Cretcher and Izabelle Cretcher; with seven great-grandchildren: Eden, Whitley, Zander, Samantha, Brileigh, Jaeleigh and Lucas; brothers Norman and Pat Cretcher, of Bourbon.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, wife; son-in-law, Steven Middaugh; sister, Donna Metheny; and brother, Nilas Cretcher.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with Pastor Bob Rice officiating.
Burial will follow in Summit Chapel Cemetery, Bourbon.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted in arranging the services.
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The family asks that memorial contributions be made in him memory to Marshall Co. Hospice and Palliative Care, 112 S. Center St., Suite C, Plymouth, IN 46563
