Benny Gene Sasser, 88, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away on Feb. 21, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.
Ben was one of a kind! We celebrate his life as a hero and mentor to so many. He was an amazing husband, father, coach, son, grandpa, great grandpa, friend and master of many trades.
Ben was born on Aug. 6, 1934, to Laurence and Alice Sasser in his Grandmother Hodge’s middle bedroom in Maysville, Oklahoma. After Ben graduated from Hinton High School in 1952, he pursued his degree in education at Central State University, attaining both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. After graduating, he worked in education for 27 years.
In 1957, Ben met Charlene Richardson on the school bus. He was the DRIVER! Ben and Charlene married May 29, 1959, and went on to have three boys, Keven, Joe David and Mike
Ben was passionate about kids, education, basketball and FAMILY! Most will remember Ben being an intense competitor, but many also knew the side of him that was truly an educator’s heart. He took the time to explain the why and the how of things and never took a short cut, whether it was algebra, woodworking or mechanic work. Ben truly loved what he did for a living and instilled in his three boys to find something they loved for work and work would never be work!
Ben, now fondly referred to as “Coach Sasser,” began his education career in 1960 at Piedmont Schools as a teacher of many subjects, girls basketball coach and, later, a Junior High Principal. Over 26 years, Coach Sasser coached 709 high school games with 488 wins. He celebrated a State Championship with the Wildcats in 1967! Coach retired in 1986 from coaching and in 1987 from teaching.
While retired, Ben had time to pursue his love of motor homing, fishing and time with grandbabies. While enjoying his first retirement, Ben and Charlene also co-founded a battery manufacturing company and the products they pioneered are still in use today. Ben was a member of the First Baptist Church and enjoyed his Sunday school classmates dearly.
Ben was predeceased by his parents, Laurence and Alice Sasser; his brother, Joe Sasser; and his grandson, Hank Sasser.
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 63 years, Charlene. He is also survived by his son, Keven (wife Linda); son, Joe David (wife Jana): son, Mike (wife Dana); six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; many cousins, nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church of Piedmont, Oklahoma, on March 7, 2023 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Hank Sasser Foundation. https://www.sasserfoundation.org/donate/
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