Benjamin "Ben" Middleton

Benjamin "Ben" Middleton obituary, Banning, CA

Benjamin "Ben" Middleton

Benjamin Middleton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 5, 2024.
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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Benjamin Middleton's Guest Book

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January 17, 2024

Terri posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2024

Monique Earl posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2024

Donna Greene Knox posted to the memorial.

Terri

January 17, 2024

Ben was a ray of sunshine. He was always happy, always ready to have a good time and always a great and wonderful friend. We will miss you Ben. Love to you always.

Monique Earl

January 12, 2024

Ben's zest and zeal for life was unmatched! He was such a gift to this family and we are grateful not only for the love he shared with our mom but for introducing us to Big Band Music, the Gullah Geechee culture, and how to literally party until you are 99. He never stopped! Rest well Ben...this world owes you nothing! Monique (Step-daughter)

Donna Greene Knox

January 10, 2024

My Uncle Ben was the BEST HOST in the world. I have traveled to California for many years to spend weeks with him. He would pick me up from the airport very sharply dressed and the schedule would start right then. Off to a party we would go. He was about enjoying this life we have been so blessed with. He left me with this saying, "Donna, when I die, I wont know anything so let's enjoy this moment. " Love you Uncle Ben.
Donna Greene Knox

Gene and Anne Barnes

January 10, 2024

I remember that Ben was such a great influence on all he came in contact with. He showed love and compassion for his family and friends in general. Gone but not forgotten. Love

Reginald Waddell

January 10, 2024

A New Orleans style club in he San Fernando Valley where our band worked every Sunday for a few years. Ben Middleton managed the Jimmy McConnell big band, handled the business of emcee. I´ll always remember his warmth and powerful presence as he welcomed the audience at downbeat and closed our show...´take care of yourself and each other.´ Good Night!

John Lucero

January 9, 2024

Roxanne

January 9, 2024

Roxanne

January 9, 2024

Roxanne

January 9, 2024

Roxanne

January 9, 2024

My god continue to bless you Uncle Ben. I thank God everyday I made the trip to California to spend that remarkable time with you and aunt Alex. I love you Uncle Ben. May your soul rest in peace. Love your grand niece Roxanne

LaDee Streeter

January 9, 2024

Congratulations Dear Ben ! You've reached your 100th Birthday ! Now you're taking your well earned eternal rest. Thanks for letting me know Dear Beautiful Alex. (I'm just finding out.) Please accept my Most Sincere Condolences for you and Your Family. Ben always made me feel Special. As a Featured Singer with Jimmy McConnell's Big Band, He always made sure I had what I needed. He did it with class and a smile. THANK YOU BEN :) (Tears are filling my eyes). I'm So Glad I have Been Blessed to Know You. Sleep in Blissful Peace Dear Friend. Very Sincerely & With Love, LaDee Streeter (Jazz, Blues, Singer / Entertainer

Patricia Jackson-Kelley

January 8, 2024

On behalf of The Jackie Robinson Post Legion, Axillary and Sons of American Legion, our sincere condolences is extended to Alex and the other family members. We truly love Ben and appreciate all the support he gave.

Marvin Keith Waller Thompson

January 7, 2024

Marvin Keith Waller Thompson

January 7, 2024

Marvin Keith Waller Thompson

January 7, 2024

As we maneuvered thru this world in different time zones and decades, our similarities through life have remained the same. You will be truly missed my twin, best friend & Big Daddy. Rest in peace

Tye Waller

January 4, 2024

Your presence I miss, your memory I treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never. Tye

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Sign Benjamin Middleton's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 17, 2024

Terri posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2024

Monique Earl posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2024

Donna Greene Knox posted to the memorial.