Ben Tilley Obituary

Ben Randall

Tilley

April 29, 1946

November 22, 2021



Ben R. Tilley passed away on November 22, 2021. Ben was the only child of Myrtle and Don Tilley. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on April 29, 1946. He is survived by his widow, Mary Elizabeth Carr Tilley (Betty), his two sons, Andrew S. Tilley (Rebecca Ann) and Mark C. Tilley (Rebecca Lynn), and six grandchildren- Jason Palo La Costa (Blake Firner), Amanda Aquino (Jerome), Andrea DeGruchy (Eric), Sean Thomas Tilley, Nykolas Tilley and Gabryel Tilley. He also was grandfather to Grace Aquino (Jake McAlhany) and his wonderful great grandsons Arnel Aquino, Eli Aquino, Henry DeGruchy, William DeGruchy and Jasper McAlhany.

He attended R.B. Fisher elementary school and was a member of Boy Scouts and was a Little League catcher on the team that won the 5th grade city championship. He attended W.B. Ray high school and in 1962 won the Texas state junior judo championship. He played football for Ray high school, but a broken shoulder ended his playing days. He graduated in 1964.

Ben attended Trinity University in San Antonio and received a BA in economics in 1968. He was a member of the Pershing Rifles Military Fraternity and the Pershing Rifles Drill Team. The team competed in drill competitions at Mardi Gras taking 1st place and the San Antonio Fiesta and won 1st, place and 2nd place in consecutive years. He was also the Distinguished Military Graduate 1968 and was offered a regular commission in the Army. He chose the field artillery as his branch of service.

His military career meant many moves. After attending the Officers' Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK. he was assigned to FAMSEG (Field Artillery Missile Engineering Group)1968-69, Ranger School at Fort Benning, GA 1969 and then to 2nd/14th Armored Cavalry Regiment-Bad Kissingen, Germany on the East/West German border.1969-1970. From there he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division Group, Viet Nam 1970-71. From Viet Nam he attended the Officers' Advanced Course, Fort Sill, OK 1971-72. His next assignment was with HHQ Battery, Fort Sill where he was B Battery commander and XO for the Squadron 1973-76. While stationed at Fort Sill, he completed his master's degree in Economics at the University of Oklahoma, Norman Oklahoma. His next duty station was at Butzbach, Germany for the 2/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment where he was battery commander of A Battery and Fire Support Officer for the squadron 1976-1979. From Butzbach, Germany he was assigned to the U.S. Navy with duty station in California at Coronado Island, San Diego California, where he was an artillery instructor supporting the US Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, 29 Palms and NTC (National Training Center) CA. This was interspersed with temporary duties in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii 1979-82. Fort Carson CO 1982-1985 Ben was attached to Field Artillery headquarters where once again he had many duties. 1986 Ben became the Professor of Military Science at Metro State University, Denver CO. He retired from the Army in June of 1989.

He received several awards while in the service: Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf clusters , Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, a Navy Commendation Medal, the Army Air Medal and a Bronze Star.

Ben joined Prudential Insurance for several years, then Starling insurance, and completed his financial career in 2004 at Vietch, Carnes and Associates. While enjoying his 2nd career, he became a Certified Financial Planner and a Chartered Financial Planner and acquired a Senior Resident Advisor certification. He also completed his 2nd Master's degree at Webster University in Computer Resource Management.

Ben was also a community volunteer. He coached Little League football in Lawton, Ok as well as being a charter member of the EiO (Environmental Improvement Organization) , a grass roots organization working for the improvement of the Lawton OK community. He coached T-ball in El Cajon CA and was a member of the St. Andrew's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church of San Diego baseball team and was a lay reader for the ministry.

After moving to Colorado Springs, he was a volunteer for the Tamarron at Rockrimmon Homeowners Association, Ironhorse SerToMa and Women Partnering. Ben and Betty also sponsored cadets from 1984 to 2010. It was one of his favorite things that he did. Health issues from his tour In Viet Nam made it necessary for him to curtail his volunteer community service in 2018.

A celebration of life service will be held on March 26th 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 7400 Tudor Road, Colorado Springs CO 80919 with a reception to follow.

The Tilley family would like to thank all of the Penrose Hospital ICU staff for their kindness, caring and professionalism they showed to Ben.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation,. c/o Jennifer Cooper, 2222 N. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Telephone (719) 776-7161 or Online giving page: https://chicf.thankyou4caring.org/psf-donate Gifts may be made payable to the Penrose-St. Francis Health Foundation with a notation, Ben Tilley, in the memo line. Or, guests are welcome to make a gift online, there is a space to type Ben Tilley under Tribute.