Benjamin F. Bement

Ben’s life began on March 30, 1919 in Ontwa Township the son of Benjamin F. and Pearl (Wagner) Bement, Sr. He married Frances Kownover on May 4, 1941 in Edwardsburg. She preceded him in death on December 1, 1997. Ben was co-owner with his father of a grocery store in Dowagiac from 1937 – 1944. He and his father founded the farm operation and home where it continues under the next two generations. A Mason for 70 years, he belonged to the Dowagiac and Edwardsburg lodges, the Valley of South Bend Scottish Rite, Dowagiac Elks Lodge #889 and the United Methodist Church of Cassopolis. He served on numerous civic and agricultural boards over his years. Most notably were the Board of Directors of Production Credit Association in Kalamazoo, then serving six years on the 7th District Farm Credit Board of Directors in St. Paul, Minnesota. Locally, he was affiliated with the National Management Association and the Cass County Council on Aging. Ben served in the US Army during WWII. His family includes children: Jane (Stephen) Poe of Niles, Jerry (Julia) Bement of Dowagiac Natalie (Don) Rector of Marshall; his grandchildren: Matt Poe, Liz Poe Russell, Jesse Bement, Andy Rector, and Frank Rector. Also surviving are 7 great grandchildren.Ben passed away at his home on September 22, 2012 in the care of his family.His family will greet friends and relatives on Tuesday, September 25th from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM at Yazel-Clark Chapel in Dowagiac. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Dowagiac with Pastor John Kasper officiating. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. Memorial contributions in Ben’s honor may be made to Cass County Counsel on Aging or Great Lakes Caring Hospice. Please sign Ben’s guestbook and leave a memory at www.yazel-clark.com