Ben Dave Street passed away July 20, 2022 in Amarillo, at the age of 90.
Services were held Monday, July 25, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Amarillo, with Rev. Will Esler officiating. Interment of ashes will be at a later date at Ochiltree Cemetery. Arrangements were by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 I-40 East.
He was born on Oct. 9, 1931, in Denton. to Earl and Exol Street. He was raised in Dallas.
Ben attended Texas Tech University, graduating in 1953 with a degree in Civil Engineering. While attending Tech he met Jeanelle Thompson from Plainview. They were married on March 20, 1954, a wonderful marriage lasting 61 years until her passing in 2015.
While Ben was serving in the U.S. Army, they lived in Fort Stewart, Hinesville, GA and Alexandria, VA, then Dallas, before moving to Perryton in 1962. Both Ben and Jeanelle were very active in the Trinity Presbyterian Church and many other community organizations.
He was recognized for his many and varied contributions to the city, county, and especially for his dedication to the Presbyterian churches throughout the Panhandle as Pulpit Supply.
He was named Perryton Citizen of the Year in 1991. His genuine surprise was a true reflection of his gentle, quiet, and unassuming personality. He lived his life in simple obedience to his faith and commitments to service. He will also be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his unfailing dry wit and wonderful sense of humor.
Ben’s leadership, foresight and involvement were instrumental in developing the Perryton Satellite Center in 1965, providing help and hope to people in the Texas Panhandle who strive to overcome the problems of intellectual and develop mental disabilities.
He was Perryton City Engineer for 20 years prior to becoming a partner in McMorris & Street Engineering Firm for 25 years. Upon retirement Ben and Jeanelle moved to Wimberley in the Texas Hill Country.
In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanelle Street; a sister, Mary Ruth Millis; grandson, Jason Dear; and great-grandson Estabon Ponce.
He is survived by his daughter, Janice Trew, and husband Steve of Amarillo, and son Dale Street and wife Trish of Austin. He was grandpa “Bendy” to seven grandchildren; Seth Dear, Jason Dear, Kristen Street (fiancé Nik van Zanden), Jim Juarez (YaYa), Nicole Juarez (Aurelio), John Trew (Lexi), Clayton Trew; and six great-grandchildren; Estabon, Ethan and Evyn Ponce, Kaden and Kennedy Juarez and Grace Trew.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Satellite Center, P.O. Box 203, Perryton, TX 79070, or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2525 Wimberly Rd., Amarillo, TX 79106.