Benjamin Joseph Stables Jr.

Benjamin Joseph Stables Jr.

July 20, 1924 - November 26, 2019
Laguna Hills CA

Benjamin Joseph Stables Jr.

July 20, 1924 - November 26, 2019
Laguna Hills CA

Obituary

Benjamin “Ben” J. Stables, Jr.

Benjamin “Ben” J. Stables, Jr., age 95, passed away on November 26, 2019 at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. Ben was born in Philadelphia July 20, 1924, the third of three boys. When Ben was almost 13 years old, the family moved to a home in Maple Shade, NJ. Ben soon discovered his love of golf as a caddy at a 9-hole semi-private golf course near his new home. During his four years at Moorestown High School, he played trumpet in the school band, orchestra, and also had a five-piece swing band. Additionally, Ben was on the swim team for three years in high school.

The U.S. Navy was Ben’s home from 1943 to 1946. His ship carried soldiers across the English Channel to Omaha Beach on D-Day of the Normandy invasion.

Ben took advantage of the G.I. Bill to earn a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Minnesota. While in Minnesota he met Jeanne Marie Hitsman of St. Paul and they were married August 22, 1947. Upon graduation he went to work for Black & Veatch, Consulting Engineers, in Kansas City in 1951, where he worked in a variety of roles during his 39-year career there. He became a partner in the firm in 1979.

Not long after moving to Kansas City Jeanne Marie and Ben became proud parents of Kayann in 1952 and then Jay three years later. Jeanne Marie had earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education at the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Kansas. Once Kayann and Jay were in school, she taught special education classes for many years in the Kansas City area.

In 1968 Ben and Jeanne Marie became charter members of the Leawood South (KS) Country Club. They were members 24 years and lived on the golf course 14 of those years. This would help shape the next chapter of their lives. Besides golf they enjoyed travel, dancing, opera and playing bridge.

After Ben retired at the end of 1989, they bought a home in Laguna Woods Village in Laguna Woods, CA. They liked it so much that they stopped being “snow birds” after two years, sold their home in Kansas City and moved to southern California permanently. This also allowed them to be closer to Kayann, Jay, his wife Pam and ultimately to their two grandsons, Brandon and Riley. With Grammy and Grampy living close by, both boys were able to spend a lot of time with them over the years.

Ben joined the Orange County Seniors Golf Association in 1991 and even though Jeanne Marie was no longer playing golf, she insisted they go on golf trips. In addition to those, they took many trips abroad, several of which included the entire family. Their most exciting trip was to Antarctica and South Georgia Island. They made 22 Zodiac landings and quietly sat among the penguins. They were also active in the American Ballroom Dance Club, California Club and Club 30, also a dance club. They enjoyed almost 60 years of a loving and adventuresome companionship before Jeanne Marie passed away in February, 2007.

Ben eventually met Kay Trischman, a widow also living Laguna Woods. Over time their companionship grew to the point where they considered themselves best friends. They enjoyed many years together playing golf, dancing and taking many trips.

In 2012 Ben, Jay, Brandon and Riley went on a “guys trip” to visit Normandy to see where he was during WW II. Their trip also included a stop in Paris to sightsee. As a WW II veteran, in September, 2018 Ben was invited to go on one of the Honor Flights to Washington, DC. Jay accompanied him as they toured the WW II memorial and other war memorials there. This trip was extremely special to Ben.

Over his 30 years of living in Laguna Woods Village, in addition to the dance clubs Ben was a member of the Men’s Golf Club and was also actively involved in the politics of governmental issues concerning Laguna Woods Village. He wrote many letters to the editor that were published in the Laguna Woods Globe.

Ben is survived by daughter Kayann Stables, DVM of Ventura, CA; son Jay Stables and daughter-in-law Pam Stables of Temecula, CA; grandsons Brandon Stables of San Diego, CA and Riley Stables of Temecula, CA; sister-in-law Maurece Stites of Laguna Hills, CA, sister-in-law Peggy Harlan and her husband Larry of Arroyo Grande, CA and 11 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Friday, January 10 at O’Connor Laguna Hills Mortuary. The memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 11 at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Marsh officiating. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. at El Toro Memorial Park, Lake Forest, CA followed by a reception at 2:00 p.m. at BJ’s Brewery in Laguna Hills, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider: Geneva Presbyterian Church, 24301 El Toro Rd, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 (949) 837-2323 or Keystone United Methodist Church, 406 W. 74th St., Kansas City, MO 64114 (816) 363-4084 or Saddleback Medical Center Foundation, 24451 Health Center Drive, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 (949) 452-3724.

 

Visitation

  • Date & Time: January 10, 2020 (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
  • Venue: O'Connor Mortuary
  • Location: 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 581-4300

Funeral Service

  • Date & Time: January 11, 2020 (11:30 AM)
  • Venue: Geneva Presbyterian Church
  • Location: 24301 El Toro Rd. Laguna Woods, CA 92637 - (Get Directions)

Graveside Service

  • Date & Time: January 11, 2020 (1:00 PM)
  • Venue: El Toro Memorial Park
  • Location: 25751 Trabuco Road Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
  • Phone Number: (949) 951-9102

Reception

  • Date & Time: January 11, 2020 (2:00 PM)
  • Venue: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Laguna Hills

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8 responses to Benjamin Joseph Stables Jr.

  1. Our first friend – he will remain forever in my heart as the best of the Village. xoxo

  2. Joel Kesler says:

    Ben was my department head when I was in the Electrical Department at Black & Veatch. He was always fair with me and I appreciated his kindness and judgement. At one time I was kind of his fireman being assigned to problem areas. That was a lot of fun. Later, as a Partner in the firm, I enjoyed his warmth.

  3. Ben and I took several cruises together. One specifically took us to Mexico where we got to pet the whales passing by our boat. Those are special memories I will never forget. Ben was my best friend and I will miss him terribly. My family and I adored him and will miss having him as a part of our holiday celebrations. I thank god for the time we had together.

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