Benjamin Allen "Ben" Ivey, 59, Bridge City

Benjamin Allen “Ben” Ivey died September 15, 2023 in a automobile accident in Fredonia, Kansas. He was born in Fairfield, California, on August 26, 1964, to Curtis Di Ivey and Billie Jo Pinnell Ivey. Ben was a most loving husband and father, and a good and loyal friend to many. His passions were always for family barbecues, blues music, anything Landcruiser and the Kansas City Chiefs football…”Go Chiefs!” Ben retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as Boatswain Mate Chief/E7 after 23 years of service and went to work for Vessel Traffic System (VTS) in Port Arthur, Texas, where he had worked for the last 17 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Curtis Di Ivey and Billie Jo Pinnell Ivey, and his nephew Stephen Michael Carpenter.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years Missy LeBlanc Ivey; son, Hoyt Ivey and wife Heather of Bridge City, Texas; and daughters, Cara Hersey and husband Jon of Bridge City, Texas, and Kristin Hodge and husband Cody of Vidor, Texas; and his 10 grandchildren, Ava, Julian, Adrian, Leighton, Hartley, Cade, Carson, Hanson, Henri, and Hoyt. Also, his sister Kay Coleman and her husband Matt; his nephew Gabe Montoya and niece Vanessa Montoya Donner and husband Kyle, all of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and many other family members.

He will be buried near his father at Coyville Cemetery in Coyville, Kansas, the home where his heart has never left.

A come and go gathering and fellowship of close family and friends will be held in remembrance of Ben on Sunday, October 1st from 12-6pm, at his home. At 2 p.m. Pastor Matt Chandler will speak and there will be a military send off.