Benjamin Waldrop Jr.

Benjamin Franklin "Ben" Waldrop, Jr., 87, of Winnetka, CA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at his home in Winnetka, CA. Ben was born October 6, 1933 in Clovis, New Mexico, the son of Benjamin Franklin "Frank" Waldrop and Nettie Pauline (Grau) Waldrop. He grew up in Grady where he attended school, graduating from Grady High School in 1951.
Ben received a B.A. Degree and a Master's Degree from New Mexico State University. He had a long career teaching in elementary school in New Mexico, Australia and Alaska, and loved working as a teacher. He also enjoyed real estate work and running a commercial booth at State Fairs and special events.
Ben is survived by his sister, Lola Alyene (Grau) Morris, nieces Mary Kay Morris and Carolyn Jo Graham, and nephews Vance Ira Morris and Michael Charles Morris. Also surviving are first cousins Sondra Anice Barnes, Judith Helen Jordan, Rosalind Kay Morris, Sue Bessier, Linda Powell, Janet Grau, Wesley Grau, Lane Grau, Lura Grau, Kye Thomas and many other cousins, family members and friends who loved him because he had a way of being special to everyone who knew him. Ben could magically appear exactly when you needed a little inspiration or hilarious laughter. He was kind, generous, wise, and so fun to be with. He was a good listener and a loving friend. Everyone treasures their memories of him.
Ben is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Pauline Waldrop, and cousins Mark Grau, Charlie Hanks, Vickie Fenter and Steven Grau.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be announced at some future date to be decided by the family.
There will be an online memorial at Crawford Mortuary in Northridge, California, and at Find A Grave.