Benjamin Franklin Boozel

Benjamin Franklin (Kelly) Boozel was born on August 20, 1934, at the family home in Slippery Rock, PA to Avanel Klinger Kelly and Benjamin Franklin Kelly, Sr. They later divorced and Avanel remarried Richard Boozel who would later adopt Ben and his older sister Peggy. Ben graduated from Meadville High School in 1952 where he ran cross country and played basketball. After high school, Ben joined the Army and was stationed in New Mexico where he served from 1952-1955. He was a Military Police Officer and received awards for his marksmanship. Some of his favorite memories were the times he played for the basketball team of the 8458th Battalion. He was a Physical Education Major due to his great love of sports and staying physically fit. He left college in 1957 to work for the Castle Rubber Company of East Butler, PA. In 1959 he married Wanda Walters of Bruin, PA In 1961 they decided to live the American dream and head west to California making a new life in San Jose. To this union two daughters were born. Ben was a firefighter for the city of San Jose from 1963- 1985. Following his retirement Ben worked as a store clerk and had a hauling business.In 2005 Ben decided to move to Montana to be near his daughters and granddaughters in Laurel. He enjoyed billards, word puzzels, participating and watching sporting events; Pittsburg Steelers, Mustangs, Grizzlies and Locomotives, walks around the area and breakfast at the Owl Cafe. Ben moved to the Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center in July 2011 where he made many dear friends with residents and staff. This past June of 2012, Ben accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. Ben died on Monday morning November 19, 2012 with his family at his side. A family Funeral Service will be held at 11:30am Friday November 23, 2012 at Remington Letcher with Graveside Military Rites at 1:00pm Laurel Cemetery.

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