J.B. "Ben" Hansen

J.B. 'Ben' HansenWest Sinton, txJ.B. 'Ben' Hansen went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 13, 2015. He celebrated his 88th birthday on the day of his passing. Ben was born and baptized on Staten Island, New York, and moved with his family to Bornholm, Denmark, in 1935. He was confirmed at St. Paul's Church on Bornholm on April 12, 1942. His family returned to the United States in May 1946, and settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. Ben married Ida Marburger on June 9, 1956, and moved to her family farm. He farmed and ranched for many years in the West Sinton area. Ben was active in various farm-related organizations throughout his farming career. He was also active in his church, Trinity Lutheran Church, West Sinton, and served in many ways in the church. In his later years, Ben enjoyed many hours in his garden and woodworking shop and he shared his bounty with family and friends.In January 1974, Ben began a ministry to seafarers at the Port of Corpus Christi. Later that same year, he was one of the founders of the Corpus Christi International Seamen's Center. In October 1977, Ben was certified and commissioned as a Lay Minister in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. He served as a Port Chaplain for 25 years. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Andreas and Jenny Hansen, his sister, Magna Taylor, and his son, Richard Hansen. His survivors are his wife of 59 years, Ida Marburger Hansen, his daughter, Jenny H. Gastler and her husband Greg of St. Louis, Missouri, his daughter, Julie H. Dayton and her husband Robert of Houston, Texas, and his daughter-in-law Kimberlee Hansen of St. Louis, Missouri. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Katherine Gastler of St. Louis, Missouri, Matthias Gastler of Ridgecrest, California, Steven Dayton of Lubbock, Texas, and Allison Dayton of Waxahachie, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, W.T. 'Ted' Hansen of Evans, Georgia, three nephews, and many friends. The family will receive guests from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, December 18, 2015, at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton, Texas. Ben's funeral service will be held Saturday, December 19, 2015, at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 7912 FM 796, Odem, Texas, followed by lunch. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Hour Ministries, the Corpus Christi International Seamen's Center and Ministry or your favorite charity. Blessed are the dead, who die with the Lord Jesus!An online guestbook is available at www.resthavenfunerals.comArrangements and care entrusted to: