Stanley A. Ham

Wednesday, November 24, 2004

March 30, 1916-Nov. 22, 2004

BENKELMAN -- Stanley A. Ham, a lifelong resident of Benkelman, died Monday (Nov. 22, 2004) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman at the age of 88.

He was born March 30, 1916, on his family's farm in Dundy County to Roy A. and Jenny (Roberts) Ham and attended country school near his home. He went on to attend Benkelman High School where he was a member of the graduating class of 1934.

On Nov. 2, 1941, Stan was united in marriage to Thelma A. Mann at Benkelman. They made their home in Benkelman until 1942 when they moved to California for a short time. After returning to Benkelman, Stan farmed for several years, and in 1947 he purchased Four-Corners Super Service Station in Benkelman, which later became Stanley's Oil Company. In 1952, Stan acquired the John Deere dealership in Benkelman -- Valley Farm, Inc., a company that is still owned and operated by his family.

Stan was a member of the United Methodist Church in Benkelman and recently received his 75-year membership pin. He was a past member of the Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. of Benkelman.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Roy and Jenny Ham; his wife, Thelma A. Ham; sisters, Vernelle and Earnestine; and four brothers, Clifford, Lyle, Byron an Donald.

Survivors include his son, Tom Ham and wife, Marcy of Benkelman; daughter, Sherri Pattison and husband, John of Sioux City, S.D.; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Ham and wife, Kathleen and Lawrence Ham, all of Benkelman; and sisters-in-law, Eula Ham of Benkelman, Ruby Ham of Wauneta, LaVerne Ham of McCook.

Memorial services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m.(MST), at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Services will conclude at the church with a private inurnment at a later time.

There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements.