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1926 Benjamin 2009

Benjamin Cookson II

July 27, 1926 — February 10, 2009

Benjamin Cookson II, 82, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009 in Lee Memorial Health System Hospital at Ft. Myers, Florida.A son of the late Benjamin and Cora (McKnight) Cookson, Ben was born July 27, 1926 at Goshen, Ohio.On February 14, 1944, Ben married the love of his life, the former, Eunice Jean Kiser and they reared three children, Gloria, Benjamin III and Marsha. The couple would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day.Over the years, Ben played a vital role in developing many projects that ultimately paved the way for many local businesses. Two of his most notable and proudest accomplishments, however, were his efforts in bringing New Towne Mall and Buckeye Career Center to New Philadelphia.Ben was the owner and operator of Ben Cookson, Inc, a general highway contractor, which he started in 1953. He also founded Goshen Sand & Gravel in the early 1980’s. Ben took great pride in his work. Through his work as a contractor, Ben was involved with many highway and bridge projects across the state of Ohio including the Roswell Bypass locally.When not spending his time working on construction or development projects, Ben could be found giving back to his community through various memberships and organizations. He was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia as well as the Ohio Contractors Association and a former member of the C.I.C. Ben was a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge #510, the New Philadelphia Lodge #177 F. & A.M. and the Scottish Rite Valley of Canton. He was also a member of the Tadmore Temple of the Shriners.He also supported many organizations in the community. Ben was one of the original sponsors for the New Philadelphia Little League as well as an avid supporter of Union Hospital at Dover. In return of his support to Union Hospital, a patient room in the cardiac care unit bears the names of Ben and Eunice. Ben had also made two significant donations to historical societies over the years also. He donated his first dozer ever owned, a 1946 Oliver Cleat Track, to a construction equipment historical society and he also donated a 1-11 Marion Dragline to the Cadiz Historical Society and Coal Museum.He is survived by his wife, Eunice Jean Cookson; his children, Gloria Jean James of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Benjamin Cookson III and Marsha Rae (Butch) Nelson both of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Paul (Kim) Elliott Jr., Shawn (Stephanie) Elliott, Benjamin Cookson IV, Melissa Lynn Cookson, Stephanie Renee Cookson, Lisa Jackson and Leslie Kristen (David) DeSantis and great grandchildren, Megan Elliott, Benjamin Cookson V, Colby Cookson, Jordan DeSantis and Trey DeSantis.Two brothers, John W. Cookson of New Philadelphia and Donald Cookson of Las Vegas, Nevada; several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Candi complete the family.Ben was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ruth Frantz and Marge Johnson and two brothers, James and Fred Cookson.Friends may call on Sunday, February 15, 2009 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The New Philadelphia Elks Lodge #510 will conduct services beginning at 5:45 p.m. on Sunday. A service celebrating Ben’s life will take place on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 11 a.m. in Otterbein United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia with Rev. Kelly Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.Ben’s family requests that memorial contributions in his honor be made to the Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.”May the work I’ve done speak for me”

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