Obituary

Memorial Park Cemetery
Pontotoc County, Oklahoma

© Criswell Funeral Home

Ben D. Steen

September 2, 1932 - January 21, 2015

© Criswell Funeral Home

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

Graveside services for Ben D. Steen are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2015 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rev. Dennis Heath will officiate. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday at Criswell Funeral Home.

Ben D. Steen was born September 2, 1932, in Ada, Oklahoma, to W.D. and Willie Mae Parker Steen. He was a 1950 graduate of Ada High School. He attended East Central University and The University of Oklahoma; graduating with a B.S. degree from the OU College of Pharmacy in 1954. He married the love of his life, Betsy Marilyn Shockley in August of 1952. Ben began his Pharmacy career in Ballinger, Texas but it was cut short by service in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. In 1957, Ben and Marilyn established their home in Ada, Oklahoma, started their family, and began his partnership with his mentor, M.F. Bayless, of Bayless Drug Company. They resided in Ada until 1965 when they moved their growing family to Dallas, Texas. Ben opened Steen Pharmacies in the Dallas area eventually owning eight pharmacies and five Hallmark Card Shops. Throughout Ben’s career he enjoyed mentoring young Pharmacists, sharing his wisdom and knowledge.

In the fall of 1975 Ben had the opportunity to purchase the childhood home of his dreams at 823 S. Townsend in Ada, Oklahoma. He and Marilyn decided that they wanted to give their children the same opportunity they had – growing up in a small town. Their family spent many joyous years in the wonderful old house on Townsend. They were long time members of First Baptist Church Ada.

Along with retail pharmacy, Ben was involved in real estate and auctioneering, owning Big Ben Realty and earned his CAI certification from The University of Indiana. He served as President of the Ada Board of Realtors and was a member of the Ada Planning and Zoning Board. He served as Vice-President on the founding board of the Ada Arts and Heritage Center.

In 1986 they purchased Bryan’s Rx Center on Arlington and operated it as Steen Super Saver Pharmacy until selling it in 1994. Marilyn helped Ben in the family businesses and following the sale of the pharmacy, their love of antiques led them to open Treasures and Time Antique shop in downtown Ada. They enjoyed hunting for treasures to sell in the shop. In June of 2007 they relocated to Oklahoma City to be near a daughter.

Ben was so beloved by his family. He was our rock. His positive spirit and love of life inspired us all. He was a wonderful father and devoted husband and he will be so missed by his family and dear friends.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Betsy Marilyn Steen

Daughters: Stephanie Holden, husband Mason of Dallas, TX; Becky Corlee, husband Mark of Oklahoma City; Laura Hofmann, husband Todd of Tulsa, Nancy Steen Richards of McKinney, TX

Grandchildren: Braden Barnes, Brennan Barnes Burnett, Corbin Carter, Caroline Hofmann, Ryan Hofmann, Railey Richards

Great-Grandchildren – Eben Barnes, Raef Barnes and Ren Braxton Burnett

His Sister – Betty Bray of Plano, TX

Preceded in Death by: his two sons, Brad Fenton Steen and Jeff Braxton Steen

His parents – W.D. and Willie Mae Steen

Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to Criswell Funeral Home, Ada.