Ben Thomas

Benjamin Ben Franklin Thomas (affectionately called Ben) is living what he calls a Happy Life. From an old farmhouse in Eagle, Wisconsin to the most recent 15 years at The Waterford at Columbia in Columbia, South Carolina Ben recalls and shares numerous military and loving life stories.

At age six, for his birthday he was gifted the privilege of milking his first cow. Such a thrill and a bummer, Ben said. In the early school years, he found he was socially outcasted after seeing that apparently town kids did not associate with farm kids. However, in a few years time he found that he enjoyed playing sports which seemed to even out the popularity field.

Ben remembers how the Great Depression hit dairy farmers particularly hard and, at one point, his family had no place to live. The bright side during this time for him was playing baseball with his brothers and he progressed to play on the American Legion team in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Later, Ben recalls buying his first car, a 33 Chevy, which he used to transport passengers to and from the college he was attending to become a teacher.

Ben enjoys reminiscing about many more of his experiences such as meeting and marrying his late wife Dorothea E. McKee, the births of his four children (Benjamin F. Jr, Edwin Lee, Mae Ruth, and Elizabeth Ann), and receiving a telegram from the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C., offering a civil service job in 1941. Ben developed an interest in Christian Science that strengthened his faith and knowledge in religious subjects.

Ben also cites his military service working with the maintenance crew B-17 bombers and his years spent in North Africa and Italy as being very influential. He went on to teach high school and later transitioned to a university setting as a professor, culminating in his appointment as the dean at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan.

When asked what advice he has for the younger generation to live a long life, Ben says, Keep a healthy lifestyle. Dont abuse your body and keep a positive attitude of gratitude. Develop a good spiritual faith.

A celebration is being planned for Bens 100th birthday Monday, August 24, at The Waterford at Columbia.

Read more:
Ben Thomas100 Years Young - Columbia Star