Benjamin "Ben" Williston

Benjamin Franklin Williston, 92 of Idabel, passed away January 12, 2021 at McCurtain Memorial Hospital.  He was born November 16, 1928, the son of Tobias and Rosa Williston.  He was a member of the Bokchito United Methodist Church.

Ben enjoyed fishing, deer hunting and gospel singing.  He was ornery and enjoyed teasing his grandkids. He loved them dearly.  It pleased him to have family gathered to eat together.  

Ben leaves to cherish his memory, sons and daughter-in-law, Ronald Williston, Don and Rosie Williston; son-in-law, Phillip Turnage; sisters, Stella Williston, Martha Williston and Effielene Harley all of Idabel and Virginia Franklin of Battiest; grandchildren, Lisa and Jerry Parker of Idabel, Giorgina Thompson of Mt. Pleasant, Wayne and Rena Thompson of DeQueen, Arkansas, Troy Thompson of Idabel, Steven Silva of Idabel, Cynthia Mauldin of Hugo, Tonia Turnage, Brittney Turnage, Angelica Roach, Phil Ray Turnage and Melissa Turnage; numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, family friend and caretaker, Louise Noah; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. 

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Hazel Willliston; sons, Michael Williston and Larry Williston; daughters, Clisty Turnage and Carolyn Jefferson; grand-daughter, Jennifer Williston; great-grandson, Carter Williams; brothers, John, Silas, LeRoy, Kenneth, James, William and Angus; sisters, Alline and Estherleene.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the Canfield Cemetery with Matt Jefferson officiating.  Interment will follow.

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