Benjamin Thomas Harton

Benjamin Thomas Harton

Benjamin Harton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 16, 2005.
HOUSTON -- Benjamin Thomas Harton was set free from this earth on November 3, 2005. For the past several years of his life, Ben fought an ongoing war with schizophrenia. He strove valiantly to have a "good life". Ben was born October 5, 1980, in Longview, and he died November 3, 2005, in Houston. He graduated from Longview High School in 2000. Ben was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul Lavon and Zella Harton. He is survived by his parents, John Timothy Harton and Connie Lynn Harton; sister, Corena Leigh Harton; and maternal grandparents, Esta Mae and Oliver Craft Jr. of Palestine. Ben was compassionate, had the heart of a poet, and a spirit that soared beyond understanding. When you look into the stars, when you hear the wind rustling through the trees, when you see the lightening flash, therein will be evidence that Ben has become part of all the things he loved. When you see these things, listen to the whisper of his soul telling you that life can be good, and that God is merciful to all. Ben's family will celebrate his life and release his ashes into the universe in a private ceremony in the woods at the home of his mother on Saturday, November 19, 2005.

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December 8, 2005

Connie Harton posted to the memorial.

December 7, 2005

BARBARA WAYNE posted to the memorial.

December 2, 2005

Connie Harton posted to the memorial.

Connie Harton

December 8, 2005

Oh Dear Barbara,



Thank you for writing those words. I live to hear from people that I value and I especially value your friendship. You listened carefully and loved me through many difficult times concerning Ben. Yes, losing a child is hard; I thought it would be unbearable. But, with the strength provided by God, I'm finding that I can bear it. I have my memories of a lovely child that can never be taken from me.



Thank you for your emotional support and your unique sense of humour. I consider you one of life's treasures!



Love,

Connie

BARBARA WAYNE

December 7, 2005

My Dear Friend,



I remember my mother saying to me one time. Having a child die is one thing that no one understands until it happens to them. I do not know your pain, but I do grive with you.

I only met Ben a couple of times but I thought that he was a very handsome young man. I do remember him as if I knew him well because of all the times that we talked about him. Alway remember the good times and forget the bad. God has a place for Ben. So remember you are in my heart.

Love,

Barbara Wayne

Connie Harton

December 2, 2005

Oh Angela. It is so good to hear from you. Funny how I remember you as a child and you write like a grown up person! I'm so glad you wrote and that you harbour loving memories of our families being together. Yeah, I remember the night all of you came to Longview for New Year's. Seems like there was a lot of construction going on...the guys helped John put up a wall in the huge bedroom so Ben and Cory could have their own space. I always loved being with such a loving, chaotic crowd! Hey, whatcha doing in California?? That's a long way from Tyler, isn't it?



Love you,

Connie and Cory

Angela Sorrell

December 1, 2005

Connie and Corena,

I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart hurts to think of what you might be feeling. I too feel as if we are all a big family. I remember spending New Years Eve at your house with Mark & Sally and everybody else. My mom still has a picture of me and Emily in the kithcen. We had alot of good times together! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers! I would love to keep in touch! Corena, E-mail me a line I would love to talk to you sometime! [email protected]

Love

Angela Sorrell

Connie Harton

December 1, 2005

Emily! Sally and Mark! Brenda and Jack! The wonderful thing about family is that they do not rely on constant social situations or geographical proximities to offer support and love. I consider you all part of my family; especially now as I face life without one of it's members. Emily, you are precious to me and I have wonderful memories of you too. Thank you for your compassionate words of comfort. I know it's been a long time since I've seen you but I still imagine you as a sweet little girl of about seven with a cotton dress, piercing blue eyes and cowboy boots. You have always been unique! M & S, B & J, we've grown up together, haven't we? Thank you as well for your eloquent memories of Benjamin. It makes me glad to revive those images of Him you have spoken of. It makes me realize how profoundly we each touch one another's lives. We must never take for granted the divine opportunities we have to love intensely the people in our pathway, and to laugh often and heartily with each other. I look forward to our growing friendship in the coming years. Hopefully, we can plan some kind of family reunion soon! I love all of you!

Emily (McBurnett)Morgan

November 30, 2005

Connie and family,

I heard just yesterday of Ben's death. Even though I hadn't seen him in such a long time, I still have vivid memories of him. All of you and all the rest of the friends my parents spent their time with when I was young, you, Jack and Brenda, Glen and Donie, Leslie and Gary, all mean so much to me. You are all just like a big family I haven't seen in a long time. I don't really know exactly what is right to say, but I just wanted you to know that it truly made me feel as if a part of my family is gone. That may seem strange to you since I didn't see you guys much, but it's the truth, and I love you all and will be praying for the God of comfort to bring you comfort. Emily



Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

Jack & Brenda Sorrell

November 29, 2005

Connie, we are sad to receive the news & grieve with you the loss of Ben. I, too, have memories of a most energetic & mischievous young boy that kept us all on our toes! I remember times when I would have liked to have seen the world through his eyes - he saw so much more, wanted to experience everything so much more...on a level that defied our conventional minds. When we would gather as friends all those times with all those children - - 5 families with 18 children..what were we thinking?! lol - - all those years ago to share in our growth in the Lord I remember the music & how Ben loved it. God's love, comfort & healing be yours Connie, Ben is free...Isaiah 61:1-3 Love, Brenda & Jack

Sally & Mark McBurnett

November 29, 2005

Our memories of Ben are from times long ago---a very tiny precious baby,then a little boy, feelin' that music and dancing in front of the fireplace. Our last visit was several years ago when John and Ben came by our house----Ben had grown! We had a sweet time; Ben was all smiles, and we treasure the memory of that visit.



"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands,"(Ps.19) and,tonight,the sky seems just a little bit brighter. Our love and prayers are with you all. the McBurnetts

Connie Harton

November 23, 2005

:) Yes, Angela, I remember that day. I can only imagine what magnificent scenario was playing in Ben's mind as we took that drive in your convertible. He was a boy capable of structuring a dream and making it real in his mind. I believe he was free from all burdens that day and I treasure the fact that you derived so much joy in allowing him that incredible experience. I love you, Angel.

Angela Colteaux

November 22, 2005

Dearest friend,

What can one say about Ben? I will always remember him as a big, lovable kid with a smile on his face. I especially treasure the memory of him in the back seat of my new convertible. It was an unusually warm Fall day, the leaves were starting to turn and it was absolutely gorgeous. I kept glancing at him in the back seat as the wind blew that head of blonde hair around and he looked perfectly happy and content. Ben did have a way of appreciating the simple pleasures this life has to offer. He will be missed but his memory cherished. Much love and comforting thoughts to you and Corina.

Connie Harton

November 22, 2005

I want answer the challenge given on Saturday and let you know what Ben's life means to me:



No matter what else can be said about Ben, he had an unduly heavy burden to bear in his life. He had to deal with those things he had to deal with only in the ways that he could - - on any given day, in any given circumstance. Because of this, it's only natural that

Ben lived (always) in a state of forgiveness.



In those things, Ben was just exactly like the rest of

us.



Of course, Ben WAS special in so many ways. But, he was also just like us. He might not have dealt with everything perfectly. Maybe he wasn't even brave sometimes. But, he did what he had to do, when he had to do it, in the ways that he was able.



Because of that, he could never be thought of as anything less than valiant. Because of that, joy can

be held in our hearts that he met his latest challenge in grace, and will live eternally in that state.



So, Ben's life for me will always serve as a reminder that we all are the same, no matter our individual

differences. (Seen from another perspective, maybe WE are the ones who are special, and Ben was the only normal person on earth.)



He is a reminder that we all face what we all face all alone.



To me, Ben's life is a promise of forgiveness for us all and an illustration of the grace that is granted with no need for performance or recompense.



I'll be thinking of you all . . . mmm



This was sent to me by one of my dearest friends. Thank you, Ms. M.

A really happy day on my front porch...Ben and his highly exhalted sister, Corena Leigh

November 22, 2005

Ben with his favorite hat in New Orleans on the way to Orange Beach

November 22, 2005

Connie Harton

November 22, 2005

You all will never know how much these kind words have meant to me. Ben's celebration party in the woods was perfect. I am content to have said goodbye in a way that he would have so much enjoyed. My daughter lit a pathway in the trees with candles; the guests wore glow in the dark bracelets and everyone had the opportunity to tell a story or share a memory. It was a time of grief and joy. The bonfire after the ceremony reflected flames of passion and life and transcended any sorrow. Yes, there will be moments to come when I will be overwhelmed with yearning for my son, but I will slay those dragons when they come. Ody and Terrie, send me your email address. Lunarwynd song, you are a treasure although your identity remains a mystery to me. Thank you Cheryl and Eadwina and the others that have written.



I want to leave you with a fovorite quote by Henry Miller: "The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware...."



Love,

Mama Moon

lunarwynd song

November 22, 2005

There are some times and feelings for which there are no words. This is why we are given song, art, and hugs. My sincere comfort to you all... my hugs... and my best wishes to Ben on his continuing journey.

Ody & Terry Jerden

November 20, 2005

Dear Connie,

Years ago, when I attended the funeral of one of my high school classmates, who died at age 19, the minister said that the Holy Spirit would be sent as a comforter in times of grief. He said those comforters are friends and family who share your grief. We are among those who share your grief. May you be comforted at this time of loss, which is beyond our comprehension to understand.

Love,

Ody and Terry Jerden

Cheryl Fowler

November 18, 2005

Think of this tragedy as a thorn on the rose bush of life which just makes the stem stronger to hold up the beautiful flowers called tribulations and rememberances. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Laura Smith

November 18, 2005

Your loss is just for a short time... because God says... this old ball of dirt is not what it's all about.



God bless you all.

Laura



May the Peace of God which passes all understanding,keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4:7

eadwina orange

November 18, 2005

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

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Sign Benjamin Harton's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 8, 2005

Connie Harton posted to the memorial.

December 7, 2005

BARBARA WAYNE posted to the memorial.

December 2, 2005

Connie Harton posted to the memorial.