Notes:

Obituary:

Benjamin Louis "Ben" Fannette was born June 17, 1927, to Benjamin L. and Laura (Greer) Fannette in Peach Creek, Brazos County. He grew up in Houston. During his teenage years he lived with his aunt and uncle, Mattie and T.A. White, in Millican. At the time of his passing he was living in Reklaw.

He passed away Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, in Tyler.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m. at the People's Church in Jacksonville with Pastor David Butler officiating. Visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Sept. 24, at 1 p.m. in Wheat Cemetery in Millican.

Survivors include his former wife of 65 years, Fleeta Fannette of Millican; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sara and William McDaniel of Angleton, Elaine and Clint Trncak of Tyler, Marie Fazzino of Millican and Kay Williams of Bryan; brother and wife, A.L. "Andy" and Mary Fannette of Bullard. Also left to grieve his passing are a number of nieces and nephews, including namesake great-nephew, Benjamin Trawick; and cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Vera Carr, Billie Jo Dixon and Barbara Martin.

After serving in the U.S. Marines, Ben was employed by United Gas Co., which later became ENTEX Gas in Houston for 42 years. Upon retirement he stayed busy with fishing, hunting, welding and dozer work. He also enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and helping with any of their projects. He stated that he thought the key to long life was keeping busy.

Ben joined the Masonic Lodge in 1966. He served as master of the Adam Royder Lodge No. 778 at Wellborn in 1989 to 1990. He was awarded the prestigious Golden Trowel Award in 1998. He planned and lead the building of the new Masonic Lodge in Wellborn.

Autry Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to People's Church, P.O. Box 8376, Jacksonville, 75766.

(Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on September 20, 2011)

Benjamin married Fleeta Angeline Turner 20 Mar 1946, Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, USA; divorced 14 Sep 2011, Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, USA. Fleeta was born 13 May 1924, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA; died 31 Jul 2020; was buried , Wheat Cemetery - Millican, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet]