Benjamin "Ben" Middleton

Benjamin "Ben" Middleton, age 100, of Banning, CA, passed away on December 22, 2023, in his home, comforted by his wife. He was born on July 28, 1923, in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Ben proudly served in the 93rd Infantry Division during WWII, the first all-black combat regiment to fight in the Pacific. His dedication and service to his country will always be remembered.

After his military service, Ben had a successful career as a foreman at Boeing International Aircraft, retiring after 37 years. He then became the band manager for the 17-piece plus vocalist "Jimmy McConnell Super Big Band" for 22 years, and retired in his late 90s.

Ben was a proud, driven, and inspirational individual. He was passionate about his music, including big band jazz by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and others. Ben enjoyed singing with his Karaoke community in Banning, CA. and had a unique fondness for "I'll Never Smile Again", a song featured in numerous recordings and songbooks of World War II music. In his free time, he tended to his garden, nurturing tree collard plants, okra, tomatoes, and other vegetables and fruit trees.

Benjamin Middleton is survived by his beloved wife, Alexzine Middleton, and their daughters, Colleen Middleton, Odessa Holloway, Monique Earl (Larry), and Sandra James. He also leaves behind siblings - Dellzena Brown, Leroy Mack, Miriam Greene, and Cassie McIntyre. Ben will be remembered by the 27 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors, and bandmates he also leaves behind.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roxie DeVeaux Mack and Henry Middleton, and his son, Benjamin Glen Middleton, and son-in-law, David Holloway.

A service to honor and celebrate Ben's life will be on January 17, 2024, at 10:00 am. The service will take place at Angelus Funeral Home located at 3875 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008.

May Ben rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.