Benjamin Middleton

Benjamin Charles "Ben" Middleton, 81, of Iola, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at Windsor Place in Iola. Ben was born August 7, 1932, on the family farm west of Iola, the son of Charles Benedict and Lilly Maudelle (Ellis) Middleton. He grew up in Iola where he graduated from Iola High School in 1950 and Iola Junior College in 1952. Ben was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the 1st Infantry Division from 1953 to 1955. On June 6, 1955, Ben married Maria Theresia Spies at the military chapel at Wurzburg, Germany. They always made their home in Iola. Ben retired in July 1996 after working 40 years as an engineering technician for the Kansas Department of Transportation. Maria preceded him in death April 13, 1999. Ben married Beverly J. (Lawrence) Taylor September 30, 2000 at St. John's Catholic Church in Iola. Beverly preceded him in death March 22, 2012. His memberships include St. John's Catholic Church, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and LaHarpe V.F.W. He had served as president of Kansas Certified Engineering Techinicians (KCET), on the Board of Zoning Appeals, U.S.D. 257 Board of Education, and as an auxiliary officer for the Iola Police Department. SURVIVORS: 1 Daughter: Monika King & husband, Stephen of Atchison, KS 1 Son: Benedikt C. Middleton of Iola, KS 5 Step-Children: Doug Taylor of Iola, Dean Taylor & wife, Kelly of Andover, Terry Taylor & wife, Carol of Olpe, David Taylor & wife, Penny of Iola, and Sara Taylor of Springfield, MO 2 Brothers: Kenneth Middleton & wife, Phyllis of Claremore, OK and Jerry Middleton of Wichita, KS 1 Sister: Ilene Gambill & husband, Bill of Coffeyville, KS 9 Grandchildren: Addie Bowlin & husband Randy of Tulsa, OK, Dominik King & wife Stephanie of Wichita, KS, Viktoria King and Alexander King both of Atchison, KS, Emily Middleton of Portland, OR, Alana Middleton of Pittsburg, KS, Michael Middleton, Sheri Middleton and Theresia Middleton all of Iola 14 Step-Grandchildren & 11 Step-Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by 3 children in infancy, Ilse, Gerard & Charles Middleton. PARISH ROSARY: 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, at St. John's Catholic Church in Iola. VISITATION: Following the rosary in St. John's Parish Center FUNERAL MASS: 10:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, at St. John's Catholic Church in Iola. BURIAL: Highland Cemetery in Iola, with military honors. MEMORIAL: St. John's Catholic Church Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .