Benjamin Marshall Robertson Jr.'s Obituary
Benjamin Marshall Robertson, Jr., 83, surrendered his valiant 14-month battle with lung cancer on Monday, July 31, 2017. He passed away peacefully at home in Mesquite, TX, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on December 16, 1933, in Leavenworth, KS, to Benjamin and Elizabeth Robertson. He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1952 where he was named the “Athlete of the ’50s” and inducted into the Leavenworth High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also the Kansas State High Jump Champion., Ben attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, where he ran track for one year before joining the Air Force. He spent 8 years at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio. Ben met the love of his life, Alice Marie Reagan, while on a weekend trip to Bandera, TX. They were married on August 4, 1957 at the Grace Methodist Church of Annaville, TX. Upon discharge from the Air Force in 1961, Ben returned to the University of Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He spent 5 years as a store manager for Sears and Roebuck before embarking on what would be his lifelong passion of teaching social studies and coaching sports. His first position was at Argentine High School in Kansas City, KS, where he spent 2 years coaching basketball and track. He returned to Texas as quickly as he could when he was offered a position on the first coaching staff at North Mesquite High School in 1969. Ben started out coaching football and basketball and went on to achieve his greatest success coaching girl’s cross country and track. His teams were the 2-time cross country state runners-up. Ben filled his summers coaching swimming and track for the Mesquite Parks and Recreation program. He retired from teaching and coaching in 1996, but his love of MISD athletics led him to being rehired as a track coordinator and manager of Mesquite Memorial Stadium. He was often consulted for his knowledge and expertise, beloved by the stadium and athletic department employees and worked up until his death. Ben leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Marie, with whom he enjoyed many trips to New Orleans to celebrate their August 4th anniversary and reminisce at the Court of Two Sisters. He also enjoyed family vacations to Destin, FL and Breckenridge, CO and will be missed by his children: son, Bret Robertson and wife Carole of Dallas; daughters, Valerie Robertson of Dallas, Tracy Trussell and husband Jay of Forney, Stephanie Thrasher and husband Dwayne of Garland; his grandchildren: Jana Fisher and husband Matt, Lauren Stephens and husband Mat, Cristopher Thrasher and wife Anna, Ben Thrasher and wife Sara, Blake Thrasher, Chase Thrasher and wife Brooke, Colin Trussell and wife Megan, Madison Trussell and fiancé Tanner Watson; his great-grandchildren: Cayden, Gabriel, Daniel and Zoe Thrasher, and Ava Fisher. Ben is also survived by his brother, Donald Gene Robertson of Kansas City, MO and 4 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Robertson. The family wishes to express its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Katherine Wang, MD, the nurses of the Texas Oncology – Presbyterian Cancer Center, Presbyterian Hospital doctors and staff, the clinical trial staff of the Mary Crowley Cancer Center and the staff of Seasons Hospice for their immense support and comfort during his long fight. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Ben Robertson may be made to the Mesquite Education Foundation or St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Friday, August 4, 2017 at Restland Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, August 5, 2017 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3117 Motley Drive, Mesquite, TX 75150.
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