Benny Eugene Webb Obituary (1931 - 2022)

Benny Eugene Webb passed away at home with family by his side on Monday, June 13, 2022. This was just one day before his 72nd wedding anniversary with his wife, Jean. Ben was born in Lone Wolfe, Oklahoma on January 27, 1931 to William J. and Ethel A. (Dean) Webb. He was the best birthday gift his parents ever received, as he arrived on his father's birthday and one day after his mother's birthday. The family moved to Porterville in 1934 during the Dust Bowl years. At the urging of Ben's greatgrandmother, his family began attending the Woodville Church of the Nazarene where Ben accepted Jesus as his Savior at an early age. Ben met Jean Pankey at that church, and they started dating during their high school years. Ben and Jean married on June 14, 1950 and began their family in 1951. In 1956, Ben, Jean, and their three daughters started attending the Porterville Church of the Nazarene. As was Ben's nature, he never sat idly by, but served in various capacities for the church. He loved to invite friends and co-workers to church. As a child, Ben realized the value of Sunday School, not only for the biblical teaching it provided, but for the camaraderie a small group provides in the context of a large congregation. Up until he and Jean moved to Fresno in 2020, Ben was still inviting newcomers to his Sunday School class. Although his formal education did not continue beyond one semester of college, God blessed Ben with many talents and attributes which enabled him to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He was involved in farming, business ownership (poultry market, auto dealerships) and property development. Ben was a civic leader in Porterville for many years, belonging to different service clubs and serving in various city and county roles, always striving to contribute to making Porterville a better place to live. Having invested so much time and energy into the town, Ben never wanted to leave Porterville; however, in 2020 it became necessary for him and Jean to move to Fresno to live with family. Although he had very few pasttimes, Ben did enjoy playing basketball and softball well into his adult years. Ben was active in managing and playing on teams in city-wide basketball and softball leagues. He was fortunate that his businesses and church were full of exceptional athletes who played on his winning teams over the years. Ben is predeceased by his parents, William J. and Ethel A. Webb. He leaves behind his wife Jean (Pankey) of 72 years and three daughters, Cheryll (George) Bouzek of Gilroy, Nancy (Vernon) Sims of Fresno, and Marcia (Ron) Petersen of Fresno. Ben was "Poppy" to his grandchildren Michelle (Tony) Tynan of Madera Ranchos, Jennifer (Jeff) Battaion of Clovis, Jason Ferris of Gilroy, Tonya (Mikal) Clement of Fresno, Preston (Kelli) Sanders of Pioneer and Drew Ferris of Porterville. Through marriages in later years, the family added "bonus" grandchildren Geoff (Danae) Sims of Ione, Whitney (Kenny) Anderson of Visalia, Ryane (Lannie) Poulton of Bakersfield and Morgan (Drew) Bush of Bakersfield. Ben adored his many great grandchildren as well. The family will always remember the precious times with our husband, dad, and Poppy. Dad was a praying man. We miss him dearly, but we will always remember his prayers, whether he was leading family prayer time, asking the blessing over a meal, or praying at family weddings. What special memories those are! In lieu of flower please make donations in memory of Ben Webb to the Porterville Church of the Nazarene.