Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Millard, Jr., 85, passed away June 16, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. He was born on June 17, 1938, in Great Bend, Kan., to Benjamin Franklin, Sr. and Irene Lee (Krug) Millard. On Nov. 24, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Janis Ruth Stutz in Mission, Texas. She survives.

A lifetime Great Bend resident, Ben worked as a Marketing Associate for Sysco Foodservice of Kansas City. Prior to that, he proudly served four years for his country in the United States Air Force at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, Texas, as a trained hydraulic specialist, working on B-52s and other aircrafts. Following this training, Ben, Janis, and Baby Valerie moved back to Great Bend, where he then spent five years in the oilfield working as a diesel technician for Diesel Equipment before switching to sales. 

Ben was a member of the First Christian Church – serving in many roles like church elder, member of the Masonic Lodge, member of St. Omer No. 14 Commandery of Knights Templar drill team, Lions Club, a Boy Scout during his childhood, and a terrific swimmer on the Great Bend High School swim team. Ben was also a charter member of S.R.C.A, carrying a passion and love of cars his entire life. He was a craftsman, his hands were his tools, he could fix anything, from car motors to rebuilding his home, and was meticulous with any work he did, including his yard work. Ben enjoyed family vacations to remote, mountain areas in Colorado and Wyoming camping, fishing, and above all, spending quality time with his family. In addition to camping adventures, Ben always ensured that his Kansas family traveled to Texas to spend time with the Stutz clan of Janis’s mother and five brothers. Always a gentleman, he took care of his wife and family, forever giving his love and support in all their ventures.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Janis Millard of the home; daughter, Valerie Ann Romine and husband Kent of Great Bend; son, Benjamin Scott Millard and wife Hsiao Lan Sun (Stephanie) of Taiwan; two grandchildren, Chad Romine and wife Taylor of Quinter, and Ryan Romine of Great Bend; sister, Sandra Kay Jensen and husband Lester of Bolivar, Mo.; two nieces, Kim John of Bolivar, Mo., and Kari Blakely of Manhattan; five brothers-in-law, V.C. Stutz, III, of Mission, Texas, George Stutz of Liberty, Texas, Jerry Stutz of Houston, Texas, Jimmy Stutz and wife Betty of Rockport, Texas, and Roger Stutz and wife Linda of Houston, Texas; and numerous loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents; and infant sister, Frankie Lee Millard.

Visitation will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024, with the family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024, at First Christian Church, with Pastor Lacey Bonine presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North, with military honors presented by McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated to First Christian Church or Clara Barton Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home 

1425 Patton Rd. 

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 20, 2024