SMYRNA - Benjamin Archer was lifted heavenward in the arms of angels on Saturday July 28, 2018.
Benjamin Archer was born Jan. 18, 1926 in Smyrna to the late Harry and Elsie Archer.
Ben, Bennie or Pop as many knew him, was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years Ernestine Archer; a daughter and her husband, Sharon and Kenneth "Bill" Foster; a son-in-law, Larry Collier; and a grandson, Philip Collier all of Smyrna.
He is survived by a daughter, Joyce Collier of Smyrna; grandchildren, Mark Collier and his wife Michelle of Winter Garden, Fla.; Tamara "Tammy" Foster and Scott Foster both of Smyrna. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Alek and Martie Collier of Smyrna; Nicholas, Piper, Paige, and Phoebe Collier of Winter Garden, Fla. and Olivia and Autumn Smith also of Smyrna; and many nieces and nephews.
Ben was a veteran of WWII where he served aboard the USS Wilkes-Barre during Operation Detachment at Iowa Jima. He received several ribbons and medals during his time in the Navy including the Pacific theater ribbon (4 stars), American theater ribbon, Philippine liberation ribbon and the Victory Medal.
On his return from the war, Ben spent his early years as a coal miner in West Virginia where he had two beautiful daughters. He then moved his family to Smyrna where he worked as Paint Supervisor for Chrysler Corp until his retirement.
Ben was a devout Christian and was a longtime member of the Smyrna Wesleyan Church. He helped in building the new church sanctuary where he ran most of the electrical. He was also a member of American Legion Post 14, Smyrna.
Ben enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was always willing to lend a hand without question. He enjoyed gardening, baseball, bowling, fishing, golfing, horseshoes, and playing checkers.
Services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday Aug. 2 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, where friends may call Wed. evening from 6-8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9-10 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Smyrna Wesleyan Church, 433 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE 19977.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com
Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.