Obituary

Benjamin (Ben) Harless, 63

Benjamin Franklin Harless, 63, passed away at 10:58pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at his home in Rye, Texas of Cancer.

Ben was born July 17, 1949 in Boston, MA to Benjamin Francis Ferree and Geraldine Marie (Barker) Harless, who have preceded him in death.

Ben is survived by his spouse of 15 years, Nancy Armstrong Burney; a daughter, Melissa Lynne Harless of Livingston, Texas; a son, Benjamin Isaac Harless of Corcoran, CA; a brother, Wayne Ferree of Rye, Texas; two sisters, Yvonne Harless of Athens, WI; and Nancy Lowe of Florida; a brother-in-law, Lynn Armstrong of Dayton, TX; a sister-in-law, Betty Swenson of Boise, ID; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and extended close family members.

God saw that he was hurting and a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around him and whispered ""Come with Me."" With tearful eye we watched him suffer and saw him fade away. We could not bear to lose him, but we could not bid him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands laid to rest. Now he has no more pain, and is peacefully resting in his Father' arms!

He would say, ""Do not grieve for me, for now I am free. My life has been full, I enjoyed much?Ǫ good friends, good times, and my loved one' touch. I?ÇÖve laughed, loved, worked?Ǫ and don?ÇÖt forget we played!! So please don?ÇÖt cry for me, I haven?ÇÖt really left you, I have just gone to my heavenly home, and I am closer than you know. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with all the joys and memories we have shared?Ǫ. Close your eyes and know that I will always be with you! Until we meet again?Ǫ I love you all and I know I was loved.""

Dad would have wanted us to build a Fire, gather around and reminisce about ""Good Ole?ÇÖ Times"" and to not be upset over him leaving, but remembering what he left behind!

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Cochran, Sheco, & LLWS directly to help cover all costs during this difficult time for the family.

A viewing will be held from 4-6pm for the Family, 6-7pm for Friends, and a Memorial from 8-9pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.