Bennett “Ben” Lee Muns, 82, passed away peacefully July 18, 2024, surrounded by his family in their Valrico home. A celebration of life was held on August 17, 2024 at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Brandon, Fla., followed by interment at Montgomery City Cemetery in Montgomery City.
Ben was born to Charles “Chike” and Helen Haight Muns on May 13, 1942 in Liverpool, Ohio. Shortly after his birth the family moved back to their hometown of Montgomery City. Ben grew up there and graduated from Montgomery County R-II High School, then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Missouri School of Mines Metallurgy, now known as Missouri S&T in Rolla.
He began his engineering career with Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff (HNTB) in Kansas City. His tenure with HNTB took him from Kansas City to the land of cold winters in Milwaukee, Wisc., on to sunny Cape Coral, Fla., and finally to Tampa, Fla., where he retired in 1997. He joined the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority as chief engineer in 1998. He retired from THCEA in 2008 to enjoy life as a full-time retiree.
Ben enjoyed his days as a professional engineer. He also enjoyed his retirement. He loved his family and was committed to serving his church. He spent many Wednesdays with other members of the Three Men and a Preacher mission team doing maintenance work and other jobs around the church.
Ben was well known and loved by many for his quick wit, dry humor and willingness to help others. He loved to play basketball, baseball and softball. He played on St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church and other softball and baseball teams for many years. He later coached St. Andrew’s co-ed softball team.
Ben is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Jewell Linke Muns; his daughter, Melissa Hill (Scott Overstreet); granddaughters, Cheyenne (Mike) Daus and Madelynn (Will) Caldwell; and great-grandchildren, Maeve, Cian and Micah Daus and Liam and Ashlynn Caldwell. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 7 at the Montgomery City Cemetery in Montgomery City with Reverend John Brumagin officiating.
Memorials may be sent to: St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Rd., Brandon, Fla. 33511 or USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute, Attn. Katie Dorsey Nealon, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, ALC 100, Tampa, Fla., 33620.
