Benjamin Florian Huston

Benjamin Florian Huston, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend took his "final flight" at age 86. Ben passed away peacefully in Denton, Texas on January 27, 2025. He was born in Gulfport, Mississippi to Thomas Boone and Lila Jane Huston on April 17, 1938.

Ben spent his childhood on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where, as a young man, he helped his father on their dairy farm. In 1957, in Gulfport, Mississippi, he met the love of his life Mary Long. They were married in 1959 and in July 2024 they celebrated 65 wonderful years together.

As a young man, he served in the Mississippi National Guard while obtaining his associates degree at Perkinston Junior College. During this time, he also started working to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. His dream grew even bigger as he became a commercial pilot in 1966. His employment as an airline pilot started with Braniff International and then Tower Air for a total of 33 years of commercial service. After the "mandatory age 60" retirement from flying, he continued in the industry as an instructor for American Airlines for 17 years.

Although flying was his first love, Ben also had an adoration for deep sea fishing. While living on the Gulf Coast, frequent trips were made aboard his Sea Bird fishing vessel appropriately christened "Proud Mary".

Ben and Mary raised five children, Dianne, Ben, Tom, Marion and Wes. After moving the family to Sanger, Texas in 1975, he farmed and raised cattle for many years. He was a loving and supportive father, always encouraging his children to follow their dreams as he had done with his love for flying. The family continue to live on the property located near the grass runway and airport known as "Ironhead Airport" which was developed by Ben and his sons. Ben spent much time sitting on his front porch along with Mary watching the airplanes come and go on the "little grass strip".

Upon full retirement at the age of 77, Ben continued to enjoy flying, tinkering with airplanes, taking trips back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast (as often as possible) and most importantly spending time with family. Ben was very proud to be recognized as a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He actively participated for many years in serving people and communities through benevolent programs committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents and brother Thomas Edward Huston, Sr. He is survived by his wife Mary, children Dianne Crawford Johnson and husband Bill, Ben E. Huston and wife Diana, Tom Huston and wife Kelly, Marion Wynne and husband Greg and Wes Huston and wife Cristy. Grandchildren Bailey Crawford Renaud and husband Andrew, Lila Huston, Ben Huston, Caitlin Huston, Matthew Huston, Nathan Huston, Jonathan Wynne, Justin Wynne, Tom Huston, Travis Huston and Great Grandchild Rowyn Renaud.

Ben aka Dad, Daddy, Grandfather, Uncle Ben, Big Ben, Captain Huston, you left an impression on many, you will be missed! Family, Flying, Fishing, Farming one might say you did all to "perfection".

We are at peace knowing that God has now given you your heavenly wings. Fly High!

And once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you would return.

John H. Secondari

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.