Benjamin Victor Bartlett

Jerome, Idaho

Benjamin Victor Bartlett, 73, of Jerome, Idaho, died Sunday, December 13, 2015, of a liver illness at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Ben was born March 16, 1942, in Marion, Michigan, to Leroy and Gertrude Bartlett. Later, Gertrude had a second marriage with Ophard Hicks and Ben gained a stepfather. Ben grew up in Michigan, graduating from Muskegon High School. He married the love of his life, Maxine Crow, on March 26, 1963.

From 1960 to 1970, Ben served in the US Navy, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Upon discharge from the Navy, he was employed with Brunswick Corporation for a time which resulted in his transfer to Illinois and then eventually to Boise, Idaho. In 1977, Ben accepted a position with the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. He relocated his family to the Magic Valley area where he spent the remainder of his life. In addition, Ben also served in the Army National Guard and was discharged in June, 1978, as Staff Sergeant. Ben worked at CSI for 30 years and retired in 2007 as Professor of Electronics Technology. He was so honored in 1995 to receive CSI's Teacher of the Year Award. He always said that CSI was the best place he ever worked!

Ben had many interests over the years. As a young man he was a professional archer. He was also an avid golfer, an expert pool player and an accomplished woodworker. Ben loved the Idaho outdoors - camping, fishing, and hunting! Most recently, he looked forward to Fridays when he would join his friends at the Moose Lodge to play poker. He was a great competitor and a great sport! One of the most remarkable things about Ben was his wonderful sense of humor. Even in the most difficult times, he had some joke or story that would lighten things and bring a smile to all who knew him.
Most of all, Ben loved His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and looked forward to one day being with Him! Over the years, he encouraged others through organizations such as the Christian Men's breakfasts at the Depot Grill, as a chaplain in the Twin Falls County jail, as an advisor for the CSI Christian Fellowship Club, and through his ministry in church. His motto was: "If a man will not stand for something, he will fall for anything."

Ben's family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful caregivers who assisted him in some way in these last two years. He always said that, without exception, he had such amazing care, whether it was doctors, lab workers, nurses, hospice staff, and many others. Their compassionate ministry to Ben in some of his most difficult days was such a blessing to him and his family.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Maxine of Jerome; his daughters, Pamela (Ron) Castro of Jerome and Connie (Chris) Lawley of Boise; his son Troy (Libra) Bartlett of Twin Falls; and his grandchildren, Shana (Brock) Eaton, Kayla McCombs, Krista (Taggart) Wright, Raquel Bartlett, Malachi (Lindsay) Bartlett, Samuel Castro and Joseph Castro. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Ethan Eaton, Austin Eaton, Dallas McCombs, Gabriel Ortega Bartlett, Brooklyn Gonzalez, Daymien Bartlett, Cierabel Rose Bartlett, and Kyra Everyn Bartlett. Also surviving are Ben's sisters, Nancy (Ron) Frederick and Sally Metzger of Muskegon, Michigan and his brother Arnold (Sherry) Hicks, also of Muskegon.

Ben's life will be celebrated at a funeral service at 4:00 PM Sunday, December 20, 2015 at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Avenue East in Twin Falls. Military honors by the Magic Valley Honor Guard and the US Navy Honor Guard. A private family burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park. A viewing for family and friends will take place on Sunday afternoon from 3:00 PM until the time of the services at Reynolds Funeral Chapel.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.reynoldschapel.com.