Ben Alan Gemmill

Benjamin (Ben) Alan Gemmill was 65 at his time of death. Ben lived most of his life in Springfield, Missouri, including a short stay at Springfield Villa, where he passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Ben was born February 26, 1960, and spent his early childhood in Upland, California. Midway through his school years he moved to Springfield, Missouri with his parents, Gene and Kay, and his sister, Debbie. He graduated from Logan-Rogersville High School in the class of 1978. Despite this being his highest level of formal education, you wouldn't know it based on his achievements in life. Rebuilding cars, wiring houses, carpentry, as well as managing the working end of an industrial workshop, he knew and practiced skills that far outclassed his formal education. Shortly after graduating high school Ben joined the Navy and served 3 years aboard the USS Bergall SSN 667. During this time he got his only tattoo as well as diving into the Arctic Ocean. He ended his service as Sonar Technician (Submarine) Petty Officer Third Class. Following his discharge from the Navy Ben was employed at a small door manufacturing company, The Maiman Company. Ben worked his way up the job ladder, becoming an indispensable part of the shop. Coworkers would describe him as reliable to a fault and "the guy to call when something breaks." He spent his entire career, more than 25 years, with this shop, through ownership and name changes until the company was ultimately relocated.
Throughout his life Ben had several hobbies including making fireworks, boating, camping, floating, but none was more prevalent than his knack for rebuilding classic cars with his father, Gene. After completing the restoration of his father's 1932 Ford Coupe, he bought an empty body of a 1957 Chevy Bel Air and restored this vehicle. Ben took his wife, Amy, to several car shows in this car.
Ben married Amy Louise Plackemeier on May 6, 1992 and they were married until she preceded him from her own unknown battle with cancer. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Kay and Gene. Ben is survived by his son, Maxwell Alan (Bridget), his grandson, Wesley Alan, his sister, Debbie (Joe), two nephews Josh (Kristi, Cooper and Crew) and Jeremy (Kayla), as well as countless friends.
Ben's visitation will be at Klingner-Cope at Rivermonte Chapel on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 2:00PM. This will be a celebration of life where anyone is welcome to speak if they want to share some stories. I highly encourage attendees to bring their street rods if weather permits. Ben will be receiving military honors and the 21 gun salute during this service.
I would also like to thank all of Ben's friends who offered to help out during his final battle with cancer. A major thank you goes out to Greg Wente for all the extra help he gave Ben. Feel free to donate in his honor for cancer research, and please do your prostate exams when your doctor recommends them.
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