Daniel Ben Capps Sr.

Daniel "Ben" Capps Sr., age 86, born in Burkesville, Kentucky passed away peacefully at Richland Bean Blossom Health Care Center in Ellettsville, Indiana on January 2, 2025 around 12:30pm. Ben was surrounded in his last moments by the ones who love and care for him, his family and his friends, and the amazing nursing staff from Richland Bean Blossom and Heart to Heart Hospice as well. Ben was diagnosed with Alzheimer's' and dementia after beating cancer.
Ben was a culinary master, catching the bug early at the age of 12 under the guidance of his mentor. Food was a central part of Ben's life, and a way he brought happiness and community together. Later on Ben was drafted into the Army and found lots of opportunities for growth in the culinary field. He served his country for six years proudly and upon his return to Bloomington, Indiana, he met the love of his life Debra "Debbie" June Kerr (Lawson). They lived a beautiful life together and had two children together Daniel Ben Capps Jr., and Margo Jevette Capps (Winters). Ben had another child in addition to the two he had with Debbie as well, Lisa Baker.
Ben passionately pursued a career as a professional chef. He ran the kitchens in houses and sororities across the Indiana University Bloomington campus. He cooked and served the Indiana Girls School as well. One of his proudest moments was having the honor and privilege of cooking dinner for the Super Bowl Champions of 1985 the Chicago Bears.
Ben was a member of multiple organizations and a strong believer in faith. He was a member of Knightridge Pentecostal Church, The American Legion, and The VA. Throughout Ben's life he has made meals for the whole community and supported the fact that a good meal can bring everyone together. He also participated in regular thrift store browsing and shopping at but not limited to the Opportunity House, Goodwill, and The Salvation Army- where he was commonly known as the "knife man".
Ben was a family man. He lovingly cared for his wife Debbie throughout her bouts with cancer. She preceded him in death on October 4th, 2004 after 38 years of marriage. Ben faithfully visited her grave until he was no longer able to due to his health. Ben is also preceded in death by his parents Tom and Dorthy Capps, ten siblings and seven siblings in law.
Ben is missed by all the loved ones that survived him, including but not limited to his baby sister Geraldine Norris, sister and brother in law Jack and Billie Hawkins, his children Daniel Ben Capps Jr. (Benny),
Margo Jevette Winters(Capps) and his son in law Richard Arnold Winters, and Lisa Baker; his grandchildren Miranda Jo Capps(Blunk), Natasha Lynn Lamb(Winters), Clairessa Richelle Winters, Sara Winters, Kayla Winters, Josh Winters, his great grandchildren Emrie June Blunk, Maelyn Rae Blunk, Khalil Jo'ziah Winters, Kenai Joseph Lamb, Janiyah Johnson, Kamiyah Johnson, Eli Winters, Peyton Winters and an unborn baby girl to be due in the spring.
A Memorial Service will be held at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Visiting hours will take place prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am until time of service. A burial of ashes will take on Friday January 17th, 2025 at 10:00 am at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington.