Ben Dunn, Jr. 78, of Calhoun, Kentucky passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Benjamin Harold Dunn, Jr. was born January 3, 1946 in Owensboro, Kentucky to the late Benjamin Harold and Margaret Helen Ratliff Dunn, was married to the former Viola Mae Whitmer, until her death on June 22, 1992 and was later married to the former Debra Ann Vandiver on April 23, 1993.
In the quiet moments, when the horses graze and the sun sets over the rolling hills of Kentucky, we will remember Ben—a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His life was one marked by dedication to his family, his work, and his passions.
Ben was a lifelong Christian. He was baptized at Buck Creek Baptist Church and was a member of Pleasant Hope General Baptist Church. He retired as an electrician from Alcoa, Warrick Operations after 37 years of dedicated service.
Ben was an avid member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Ben took great pride in caring for his horses and even competed in horse show speed events. His love for these majestic creatures were evident to all who knew him.
Rodeos, camping and traveling were also among Ben’s favorite pastimes, allowing him to explore the beauty of nature and the joy of adventure. Whether setting up camp under the stars, sitting at campfires with family and friends, or hitting the open road, Ben embraced each experience with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder.
Ben’s life was a testament to the power of passion, the love of Christ, the importance of family, and the value of hard work. His impact on his community and the lives he touched will not be forgotten.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Ben was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Lindy Renea Hayden and by a sister, Anna Mae McElwain.
Ben is survived by his wife of 31 years, Debbie Dunn; a son, Ben Dunn, III (Tara) of Calhoun; two daughters, Patricia Hayden (Matt) and Tina Otto (Ken) both of Calhoun; a step son, David Jones of Calhoun; two step daughters, Jennifer Millikan (Mike) and Kimberly Vandiver (Bryan) both of Calhoun; 11 grandchildren; 4 step grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Virginia Taylor of Calhoun, Retia Denton of Robards, and Lisa Miller (Mose) of Calhoun. Each family member reflects a piece of Ben’s enduring spirit and love. Ben’s family will hold close the memories of his love, laughter, and the wisdom he imparted. As we honor his legacy, we take comfort in knowing that Ben’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Pleasant Hope General Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Hampton officiating. Friends may visit with Ben’s family from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the church. Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel is handling the arrangements for Ben’s family.
The Ben Dunn, Jr. family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations in his memory to Dream Riders of Kentucky; 4705 Winkler Road; Philpot, Kentucky 42366.
Share your memories and photos of Ben at musterfuneralhomes.com.