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ALEXANDER -- BENJAMIN BATES Was welcomed into this world on October 31, 1920 in Guymon Oklahoma, by his mother and father, Emma Mable Bates Alexander and Omer Virgil Alexander and nine brothers and sisters: Truda, Vernon, Vera, Josh, Omer, Alma, Mary, Joe and Rachel. He passed on in his sleep last Saturday morning January 7, 2012, while residing in Lubbock, Texas at age 91. His mother and father homesteaded in Guymon, Oklahoma. When Ben was seven years old his family moved to Lubbock, Texas where they started a grocery business in Shallowater and then onto Eunice, New Mexico where Ben worked in the summers. He spent one semester attending Texas Tech University before WWII called his family into service. Upon returning from the Army in 1944 Ben assumed the ownership of the grocery store. He expanded the stores to Seminole, Jal and Hobbs. In 1952 Ben founded DA&S Oil Well Servicing, Inc, which he said many times gave him the means to provide better opportunities for his employees. The success of that business became the vehicle for him to focus his un-bounding energy and resources on civic endeavors he felt passionate about. Ben's varied business interests though out his life expanded to real estate, ranching and oil & gas production. Ben married the love of his life, Gerry Ann on May 22, 1942. The couple had two children, Lee Ann and Russell Bates. Ben and Gerry raised their family and lived in Lea County until moving into Carillon's Windsong Senior Living campus in Lubbock in 2001. Ben is survived by an adoring and proud family. His daughter and son-in-law, Lee Ann and Beach Snyder; six grandchildren: Michelle, Atlee, Hillary, Kynda, Hollie and Kaelyn; nine great-grand children ranging in age from 15 years to 7 months: Cheaney, Annika, Sam, Halle, Sydnee, Paislee Ann, Dean IV, Leah and baby Ben. In leaving behind a very large and extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, Ben, as the last of the original Alexander siblings, passes on the enduring heritage of the Alexander lineage. Ben was preceded in death by his parents; his nine brothers and sisters; his son Rusty, and his wife of 69 years, Gerry Ann. A few of Ben's accomplishments are: *2007 Texas Tech Department of Athletics Hall of Legacy Inductee; *2003Petroleum Hall of Fame Inductee; *2000 Person of the Century, presented Hobbs News-Sun; *1999 Lea County Fair and Rodeo dedicated to Ben; *1996 Ben Alexander Student Center established at New Mexico Junior College, *1988 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, presented by College of the Southwest; *1983 Democratic Distinguished Service Award, presented at national Democratic Gala; *1982 Top Hand Award, presented by Permian Basin Petroleum Association; *1980 Trustee of Free Enterprise, presented by College of the Southwest; *1971 Hobbs Citizen of the Year, presented by Hobbs Board of Realtors; *1967 Outstanding Citizen of Hobbs, presented by Hobbs Jaycees Ben's service highlights past and current included: United States Army (1942-1944); Politics: New Mexico Democratic chairman; Democratic national committeeman for New Mexico; Director, Business Council of the Democratic National Committee; State campaign chairman for former President Jimmy Carter; State campaign chairman for former Governor Jerry Apodaca; Board member, Hobbs Chamber of Commerce; Board member, Hobbs Industrial Park; Board member, Independent Petroleum Association of America; Board member, Independent Petroleum Association of America; Board member, New Mexicans for Jobs and Energy; Board member, NMJC Foundation; Board of trustees, CSW for 25 years; Chairman of steering committee creating New Mexico Junior College District; Chairman, New Mexico Oil and Gas Association (including public affairs committee); Chairman, New Mexico Workers' Compensation Advisory Council; Charter member, New Mexico Amigos; Founder and first campaign chairman, Greater Hobbs United Fund; Member, National Petroleum Council; Member, New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry; Member, New Mexico Investment Council; National board member, Association of Oil Well Servicing Contractors; Vice president, Permian Basin Petroleum Association. Services will be held in Hobbs, New Mexico at First United Methodist Church, 200 East Snyder on Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Chapel of Hope, 3321 N. Dal Paso, Hobbs, New Mexico. Memorials in remembrance of Ben can be sent to three entities close to his heart: The New Mexico Junior College Foundation (1 Thunderbird Circle, Hobbs, NM 88240). The Lea Country Charitable Foundation, supporting The University of the Southwest and the youth of Lea County (in care of Johnson Miller & Co. PO Drawer 220, Hobbs New Mexico, 88241). The First United Methodist Church of Hobbs ( 200 East Snyder St, Hobbs NM 88240).
        Published on: Wed January 11, 2012