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Benjamin Demps Obituary
His grandson, Ricky Brown, of Kansas City, said Monday that Demps died Saturday of complications from surgery in Port Charlotte, Fla., where he had been living.
Demps was a non-educator when he was hired in 1999 as Kansas City's 19th superintendent in 30 years.
School board members were attracted by his leadership skills. He was a former Federal Aviation Administration official and worked in the early 1990s as director of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
But Demps lasted only 20 months in the Kansas City job. He was fired by the school board, then reinstated by a federal judge before resigning along with six members of his staff. Demps then retired to Florida.
Brown said a cremation is planned.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
41 Entries
PS 165M, Jan, 1948 (Ben at top, left)
October 23, 2014
Herbert Gardner
March 13, 2014
At last. Did Benjamin attend PS 165 on West 109th St. in Manhattan? I was his friend and classmate. He could hit "two sewers" in stickball.
Herbert S. Gardner
June 16, 2013
I was shocked to hear about one of my deceased husband's oldest and dearest friend, Benjamin Demps. Harry Mason and "Sonny" (as they were both called)grew up in Harlem, N.Y. Harry passed on June 15, 2012 age 78. I had often thought if Benjamin knew about his old friend "crossinf over" and that's what prompt me to search for info. about Benjamin I will always have such fond memories of his warm hospitality during our stay with him at his home in Oklahoma,1981.
How you can show support
March 30, 2013
Jesus Christ gave his life for mankind to have everlasting life. All his promises are true.
Howard Hendrick
February 17, 2013
Carolyn,
I only learned of Ben's passing today and immediately looked for some way to reach out to you to let you know that I have prayed for you and your family. I only worked with Ben from a distance when he was Director. He was talented and insightful. Please know of my prayers for you and all of his family.
David Walters
February 5, 2013
Ben Demps was an unusual management and public servant talent that as a new Governor I was fortunate to discover. We recruited him from his Euorpeon post to return to Oklahoma to run Oklahoma's largest and most complicated agency frought with challenges. He performed this job with good humor and a distinguished aire that had all of us act more professionally when he was around. Pat and his daughters were lovely and brilliant and also became part of our team. What a marvelously varied life that seemed to constantly seek challenge. Thank you Ben for all you did for those in need in Oklahoma. May you rest in peace.
David Walters
Former Governor
Oklahoma
Will Nelson
January 28, 2013
I remember "Mr. Demps" from my earliest days at ZNY. Will always remember and be grateful for his encouragement. His example guided me throughout my career.
kortnee jakes
January 27, 2013
hello daday how ralimno ear doing
Teresa and Ed Simpson
January 25, 2013
Carolyn, my heart breaks for you. I see him so relaxed and welcoming to Ed and I the day we were at your house in Edmond before you "sailed away". We have enjoyed the cards, e-mails and pictures of you and "Mr. Demps" since you have been in Florida. It was a pleasure to work with him in DHS and more of a pleasure to have known him through my friendship with you. If there is anything Ed and I can do please let me know. Stay in contact. I love you.
Nick Johnson
January 24, 2013
I first met Ben Demps at the FAA Academy in the mid 70s. Always a smile. Always a friendly word of encouragement. R. I. P.
Gene Mattheus
January 22, 2013
I knew Benny when we both were supervisors at the New York Air Route Traffic Control Center back in the sixties. He was smart, funny, and a please to work with. What a privilege just to have known him way back in the day. I was truly saddened to hear of his passing, but he leaves great memories and a not to be forgotten legacy.
ronald bagley
January 22, 2013
I worked at New York Center when Benjamin was there.I as a young controller was motivated by his sense of professionalism and accomplishment. He inspired me seek a higher level and to reach back and help others
Clifford Armstrong
January 22, 2013
Mr. Benjamin Demps was an inspiration to many African Americans in anbd outside of the Federal Aviation Administration. He asked a lot of his employees, expected excellence and was an outstanding example to all he came in contact with. Many of us wanted to be just like him. May God welcome him into his kingdom. Clifford A Armstrong
George Di Leo
January 21, 2013
I was really saddened to hear of Benny's passing. Benny and I shared a lot of things. He was born in Harlem and I was born in East Harlem a few short blocks away from his birthplace. Both in NY Center. Both at the FAA Academy where I was a Instructional Unit Manager. Benny had a tremendous impact on my career. He was very influential in my selection as the Burlington Tower and Approach Control Facility Assistant Manager. I was also assigned by Benny to the select committee to develop the new Air Traffic Control Training program in 1975-76, during a very tumultuous time. If not for Benny's leadership the project would have failed.
I have always had great respect for Benny and his friendship, a true leader and gentleman in the new FAA. We have lost one of the Best of The Best. My sincere condolences to Carolyn and family. May he rest in a well deserved peace with our Lord. God.'s Speed Benny.
Kenneth Johnson
January 21, 2013
Mr. Benjamin Demps was an inspiration to many African-Americans that broke into the FAA in the early 1970's. I was one of them. My faith tells me that God has him cradled in his loving arms.
Kenneth L. Johnson, NYARTCC-1970
Charlene Guinn
January 20, 2013
In loving memory of Uncle Sonny, I will always love you. I miss you so much. May you rest in peace. Keep on sailing!
Cleophas Cox
January 20, 2013
Ben promoted me to my last job in the FAA as Superintendent of the MTS. He had an excellent mind and a caring heart.
Diane Witherspoon
January 20, 2013
In loving memory to Uncle Sonny. My heart is filled with wonderful memories and joyful times. You will be missed and always be in my heart.
Tamera G.
January 19, 2013
Demps family: I pray that your family can have comfort & support from your family, friends& most importantly, God during this difficult time.
sue Putman
January 17, 2013
Carolyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
BRENDA JORDAN
January 17, 2013
IN LOVING MEMORY TO A WONDERFUL UNCLE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED, MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN.
January 17, 2013
I am so sorry for your lost. I remember when he became Director, of Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, it was a proud day! Mr. Demps was an great example of what you can do it you chose to. The world lost a great man!
January 17, 2013
may God bless the the Demps family,and give them peace.....~~~~~
Ron Ivey
January 16, 2013
To an extraordinary man, friend and fellow sailor who made a difference.
Fair winds to you Ben. You were the best and will forever be missed
Vera J. Perkins-Smith
January 16, 2013
I am an FAA/MMAC retiree. Mr. Demps was truly a remarkable, industrious, resourceful and talented gentleman. He will most surely be remembered and truly missed by all he worked with and especially his family. My prayers are with the family as you go through this great loss. May God Be With You, sustain you and strengthen you.
Fred Isaac
January 16, 2013
A former colleague and truly exceptional man. The world will miss Ben Demps.
C.S.
January 16, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
January 16, 2013
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing God has promised He will do away with sickness, pain and death for His word is truth.
January 16, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with your family at this time.
January 16, 2013
I have fought the good fight, I finished the race and I kept the faith. I thank God for all brother's like you.
Rogers, Panama City, Florida
EG
January 15, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dante DeAnus Washington V
January 15, 2013
Our prayers are with the Demps Family
I learned about myself and the world from Benny
January 15, 2013
May the God of comfort be. With the family in their time of sorrow.
January 15, 2013
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your dear loved one . At this stressful time in your life you may wonder if you will ever embrace your love again? Jesus Christ himself answers at [John11:11-44 saying "Lazarus come on out." and he did Ruthel C.
Brunson Family
January 15, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cheri Shannon
January 15, 2013
My deepest sympathy for the loss of a special person. I worked as an Assistant Superintendent for Mr. Demps in the Kansas City Missouri School District. He was an amazing leader and taught me so much about leadership and life. My condolences to his family. He will be missed! Sweet Sailing, Ben.
Glenda Ford
January 15, 2013
May the peace of God that excels all thought be with each of the family members.
January 15, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
B Lucas
January 15, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Benjamin your dear loved one. May your fond memories of him comfort you. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit you show. [email protected]
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