Bennet P. Stelly

Bennet “Ben” Paul Stelly of Kingsland, Texas died on March 1, 2017. He was born to Octave and Susie Stelly on August 14, 1942 in Kaplan, Louisiana. He graduated from Kaplan High School. He married Mary Rose Merka on October 5, 1963, and had two children, Monica and Mark.

Ben joined the Air Force and served his country 20 years. During his service, Ben was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, AF Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and AF Good Conduct Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters. After retiring from the Air Force, Ben worked 20 years for the State of Texas.

Ben was devoted to his family and enjoyed having everyone together over delicious food and drinks, especially food from his Louisiana roots. He always looked forward to the annual vacations he and his family took together, even as his children started their own families. He loved traveling and cruising with Mary, especially meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Ben enjoyed classic country music and car racing.

Ben is survived by his wife, Mary, his daughter Monica and her husband Matt of Austin and his grandchildren Trevor and Jack, his son Mark and his wife Alisa of Austin and his grandchildren Benjamin and Maeve. He is also survived by his brother Duffy Stelly and his wife Nelda of Horseshoe Bay, TX and sister Revella Norman of The Villages, Florida, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, TX on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 2:00 pm with a viewing to follow at 3:00 pm. A burial service with military honors will be held on Monday, March 6 at 10:00 am at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ben’s name to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association.