Benjamin R. Ohnheiser, 66, of Houston, passed away October 10, 2013. He was born in Hallettsville, Texas, on September 23, 1947, to Raymond & Judith Ohnheiser. He was the eldest of three children, and was Raymond and Judy's only son. Ben grew up in the Hallettsville area where he attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Hallettsville Public School. Baseball was his sport and growing up played Little League and Babe Ruth League ball. He completed his high school education while stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

On September 23, 1967, Ben married Rose Mary Kunetka at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Praha, Texas. Ben and Rose Mary have two children, son Barry and daughter Kelly.

Ben was drafted into the United States Army in October, 1967. He was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, completing his Basic and A.I.T. training, graduating at the top of his class. Ben served in Vietnam from March 1968 to March 1969, in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He completed his military service convalescing at Walter Reed General Hospital, Washington, D.C. Ben was awarded the Purple Heart for his combat service in Vietnam. He was Honorably Discharged in October 1969.

After military service, Ben and Rose Mary made their home in Moulton. He was employed with the then Farmers and Merchants State Bank for two years. In 1972, Ben accepted a position with Central Freight Lines in Houston, where he and Rose Mary and their family have lived for the past 41 years. He was dock supervisor at Central for 24 years, until illness forced him to retire.

Fishing and billiards were two of his favorite hobbies. He loved taking his boat out on the weekends to a local lake or river, and bring home a catch of fish for Rose Mary. Ben was an excellent billiards player and enjoyed the challenge of a friendly game, which he usually always emerged the winner.

Ben's last years of his life were spent at home with his family – his wife, his children, and his grandchildren, Taylor and Cole, and his very loyal canine companions, P.J., Scruffy and Toby.

Ben was our hero and our memories of him will remain in our hearts forever, we love you and we will miss you.

Ben is survived by: his wife Mary Rose; son Barry Ohnheiser & wife Tuu of Houston; daughter Kelly Ohnheiser of Houston; 2 sisters, Jocelyn May & husband John of Cypress, and Lisa Shimek & husband Paul of Hallettsville; and 2 grandchildren, Taylor and Cole Ohnheiser.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service: 10 am, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013 at Ascension of our Lord Catholic Church in Moravia, Texas. Visitation: 4 pm, Monday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Monday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Msgr. John Peters. Pallbearers: Stevie Fojek, Bruce Okruhlic, Johnnie May, Russell May, Paul Shimek, and Seth Shimek. Memorials: Charity of your choice. Burial: Moravia Catholic Cemetery.