Benjamin-Demps-Obituary

Benjamin Demps

Obituary

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Former Kansas City school superintendent Benjamin Demps has died. He was 79.

His grandson, Ricky Brown, of Kansas City, said Monday that Demps died Saturday of complications from surgery in Port Charlotte, Fla., where he had been living.

Demps was a non-educator when he was hired in 1999 as Kansas City's 19th superintendent in 30 years.

School board members were attracted by his leadership skills. He was a former Federal Aviation Administration official and worked in the early 1990s as director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

But Demps lasted only 20 months in the Kansas City job. He was fired by the school board, then reinstated by a federal judge before resigning along with six members of his staff. Demps then retired to Florida.

Brown said a cremation is planned.


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PS 165M, Jan, 1948 (Ben at top, left)

At last. Did Benjamin attend PS 165 on West 109th St. in Manhattan? I was his friend and classmate. He could hit "two sewers" in stickball.
Herbert S. Gardner

I was shocked to hear about one of my deceased husband's oldest and dearest friend, Benjamin Demps. Harry Mason and "Sonny" (as they were both called)grew up in Harlem, N.Y. Harry passed on June 15, 2012 age 78. I had often thought if Benjamin knew about his old friend "crossinf over" and that's what prompt me to search for info. about Benjamin I will always have such fond memories of his warm hospitality during our stay with him at his home in Oklahoma,1981.

Jesus Christ gave his life for mankind to have everlasting life. All his promises are true.

Carolyn,
I only learned of Ben's passing today and immediately looked for some way to reach out to you to let you know that I have prayed for you and your family. I only worked with Ben from a distance when he was Director. He was talented and insightful. Please know of my prayers for you and all of his family.

Ben Demps was an unusual management and public servant talent that as a new Governor I was fortunate to discover. We recruited him from his Euorpeon post to return to Oklahoma to run Oklahoma's largest and most complicated agency frought with challenges. He performed this job with good humor and a distinguished aire that had all of us act more professionally when he was around. Pat and his daughters were lovely and brilliant and also became part of our team. What a marvelously varied life...

I remember "Mr. Demps" from my earliest days at ZNY. Will always remember and be grateful for his encouragement. His example guided me throughout my career.

hello daday how ralimno ear doing