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Ben CLOPTON Obituary
Ben Michael Clopton passed away on December 8, 2013, at home with family by his side. He was born in Bastrop on January 19, 1942, graduated in 1960 from Robert E. Lee High in Baytown, and attended UT Austin graduating with a BA and MA. In 1970 he received a Ph. D. from the UW Seattle. Until his retirement in 2005 he served on the faculties of UC Santa Barbara, UW Seattle, and UM Ann Arbor. In the late 90's he co-founded a hi-tech company in Seattle for the advancement of cochlear implant technology.
Preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Mitchell Clopton and Grace Barker Clopton, he is survived by his wife Darlene, his son Brian and granddaughter Caitlin of Austin, his daughter Heather of Seattle, his sister Janet Hooten of Victoria, and his brother Jim of Austin.
Ben and Darlene enjoyed traveling the west, fishing, and camping with their dog Willie. He built wooden boats and was in the process of building his second kayak.
His memorial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice Austin at http://www.hospiceaustin.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ben CLOPTON
Doug Dean
August 22, 2023
I was randomly looking for Ben as I reflected in some joint papers we published back in the `80s - and then I came across this.
My most sincere condolences to Ben´s wife and children. I was a PhD student at the University of BC in Vancouver, and we did joint research with Ben and Sandy Spellman at UofW. Ben was very supportive of my work and taught me a lot. I am forever grateful for his generosity with time, and with allowing me to publish as a lead author on some papers where he was really the main guy.
Yolande (Au) Petersen
February 14, 2020
Darlene, you probably don't remember me -- I once attended a picnic at your home. I spent 2 wonderful years working at KHRI in Ben's lab (my first "real" job). He was a jack-of-all trades and could do everything from taking apart and fixing computers to performing delicate surgery on guinea pigs. Oh, the cuy jokes that used to fly! Ben was so patient, and under his tutelage, I gained the confidence to build and fix things other than formulas. I was having a discussion with a colleague about academic versus practical skills, when I thought to Google him. I was saddened to hear that he had passed. I wish the Lord's blessing on you and your family.
Eugene Whitt
December 4, 2019
We spent many hours playing Chess and was he ever good. He was a fine competitor and he was great to be with, a terrific man. His family was above the norm and lovely neighbors and friends.
Dr. Ben Clopton and me, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1993
Surekha Dangoor
December 30, 2015
Dear Darlene, I came to know about this deeply saddening news only a few hours ago. I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Clopton, as I called Ben, was my research advisor at the University of Michigan. I immensely enjoyed working with him and felt truly fortunate to have such a wonderful person as my advisor. He was kind, humourous and such a pleasure to be around. I don't know if you remember that you and he planned a birthday surprise for me in 1992 during the annual Kresge Hearing Research Institute picnic at Island Park in Ann Arbor, complete with a birthday cake with my name on it! I was so touched. I was also happy that my parents got to meet Dr. Clopton during their first visit to America in 1995. I am enclosing a photo taken of Dr. Clopton and me in early 1993 on the University of Michigan's North Campus at the entrance to the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science building. This photo, believe it or not, has been up on my photo collage in my study for well over a decade! My belated condolences to you and your children. I hope that you have since made your peace with things and that your bonds with Ben and fond memories of him continue to sustain you to this day. Fondly and with best wishes and hugs, Surekha Dangoor
Linda McCaleb Petty
December 17, 2013
With deepest sympathyfor the loss of a wonderful person.
Eugene Whitt
December 16, 2013
Ben was a great neighbor and one great Chess player. He certainly stood tall.
FRANCIS COLLEY
December 16, 2013
Sorry for your loss. Ben was a good friend in high school.
Sue Barnum
December 16, 2013
Ben was such a bright and unique soul when we were growing up in Baytown. I never knew him well but always thought so highly of him. My condolences to his family.
(Mary) Sue (Wilson) Barnum, Santa Fe, NM
December 16, 2013
A nice guy who will be missed by many.
David Brinkley,REL class of 60
Donna Bryan Terpening
December 15, 2013
May God bless and keep one of his dearest angels, Ben was one of a kind.
Linda Lalmb
December 15, 2013
Although we just met you briefly, we experienced a gentleness and love about you for your family, In knowing you daughter, she has been greatly blessed to have you to love and guide her. Your legacy will be lived out as she continues to love and care for those around her. You'll continue to live on in the hearts and memories of those who have loved you. Blessings Linda and Ros
December 15, 2013
Darlene, My prayers are with you and your family on this great lost. Ben was a gentle soul that will always be remembered by us of the 1960 Class of RELee. Larry Crain
Lawrence Shelton
December 15, 2013
Godspeed, Ben. Some of my earliest memories of elementary school were those of Ben writing his own "short stories". I was so impressed with someone who had , not just the ability of thinking of short stories, but having the dedication to actually WRITE THEM DOWN.
Even at an early age, I was always impressed with the polite, quiet, respectful nature of Ben. For a short while, we shared experiences in Boy Scouts, as well as some of the boyhood adventures of young boys in the early fifties.
Once again, GODSPEED, BEN! Sorry there isn't a way you could have taken your kayak with you, but then I am sure Heaven will have its own adventures for you. Our loss on earth is truly Heaven's gain! You were special to this person! As I walk past your old residence on Schilling, I shall always think of the gentle you.
Lawrence Shelton
613 Morrell \Baytown
December 15, 2013
Mike as I always called him When we were growing up together he was fun smart and aggravating He loved to pick on me and his brother & sister We camped on the beach with just blankets Our parents were best friends Our families were always together Good memories Even though we moved away and lost touch with each other His passing will leave a hole in my heart Janelle Hollaway
Sandi Chapman
December 15, 2013
Dar...So sorry to hear. Ben was in our prayers.
Liza Clardy
December 15, 2013
Mike was a gentle soul. My condolences and love to Darlene, Brian and Heather.
Judy Burkhart
December 15, 2013
I will miss Ben. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Linda Watkins
December 12, 2013
Ben (aka Mike) was a very sweet man. I really enjoyed visiting with him in the past. We missed him in October at the DeGlandon Reunion, but our prayers were with him. My sympathy to all of his family that he has left behind. Treasure your memories and remember him as he was. We are so sorry to see him pass from our midst.
jim and jackie jackson
December 11, 2013
jim and jackie jackson
time has passed so fast.
what memories we have from your family have stayed with us forever.
remember sleeping on the floor and aunt gracie cooking shrimp.
first time seeing the gulf coast with you folks.
mud bug fishing just across the road.
memories foever.
jim and jackie
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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