Ben Paul Jourdan, age 81 of Sandoval passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his home with his family at his side.
Ben was born on August 16, 1942, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Bennie Earl and Oeta (Veller) Jourdan. He married his high school sweetheart, Carole Ann Moore, on April 15, 1961, at the Sandoval United Methodist Church, and they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, Carole, he is survived by his daughters, Beth Rademacher and husband David of Sandoval, Amy Merten and husband Clicker of Sandoval and Emily Alli and husband Bill of Centralia; grandchildren, Sarah Clark and husband James of Centralia, Lukas Petrea and wife Rachel of Odin, Alexia Petrea of Salem, Kelly Dahl and husband Joe of Sandoval, Mary Beth Garner and husband Chad of Woodlawn, Ben Alli and Leeann Alli of Centralia; great-grandchildren, Amelia and Hayden Steinkamp, John Clark, Xavier and Xa’Kiah Petrea, Jonah, Hudson, and Eli Dahl, and Kaeson Garner; step-grandsons, Adam, Alexander, Isaiah, Zechariah, and Micaiah Rademacher; sister, Delores “Dodie” Bell and husband, Wayne of Carterville; brother-in-law, Mike Patterson of Sandoval, sister-in-law, Catherine “Kitty” Thompson of Sandoval; many nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Sandy Felchlia, Sharon Belcher, and Belinda Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Barbara Patterson; infant brothers, John Earl and Earl Dale Jourdan; brother-in-law, Richard “Dick” Beach; father and mother-in-law, Harry and Mary Moore; and brother-in-law, Bill Thompson.
Ben entered the United States Navy in August 1960. He was stationed in Boston, Massachusetts, and proudly served his country in the Mediterranean aboard the USS Boston-CAG-1, the world’s first guided missile cruiser. Ben was honorably discharged in August 1963 as a 1st Class Petty Officer. He completed his apprenticeship as an electrician while serving his country. Following his military service, Ben worked for the Illinois Central Railroad as an electrician until 1984. After 20 years of service at the railroad, Ben worked as an electrician for the Swan Corporation until his retirement in 2005. Ben served on the Sandoval School Board for 23 years from 1976-1999. Ben’s most remarkable accomplishment was the great impact he made while serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for over 50 years at the Sandoval United Methodist Church as Worship Leader, Lay Leader, and Sunday School teacher. He was humble, kind, and shared the love of Jesus with everyone he met. Ben’s faith and Christian witness served as a role model for his family, friends, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Aside from his work and service to others, Ben’s greatest joy was found in his wife, Carole, of 63 years, his three daughters, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Ben enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, doing yard work, and could always be found working on a project in his shed. His hobbies also included singing, genealogy, and vacationing with his wife and family.
A Celebration of Life for Ben P. Jourdan will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11 am at the Sandoval United Methodist Church with Pastor Michael Hall and Pastor Ken Hayden officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Monday from 5 pm-7 pm and again from 10 am- 11 am on the day of the service. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Sandoval with Military Rites by the Centralia American Legion and VFW. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sandoval United Methodist Church or the Sandoval Fire Protection District and can be received at the funeral home or the church. Crouse Funeral Home in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
