More detail on this person: Mar 14, 1947---Jan 28, 2023 Ben Tarbe, 75, passed away January 28, 2023 at University of Kansas Medical Center surrounded by loved ones. Ben was born March 14, 1947 in Emporia, KS, the only child of Esther (Herrera) Tarbe and Ben Tarbe. He grew up in Turner and Kansas City, KS, and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1965. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, piloting a UH-1H helicopter. He accrued over 3,500 hours of flight, achieved rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2, and was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal. He later received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas. Ben's passion was work. He worked as a newspaper carrier in elementary school and at Uncle Sam's Loan Office, a pawn shop, during high school. Ben owned and operated Ben Tarbe Used Brick, Inc, in which he demolished buildings by hand and salvaged brick and lumber. He took great pride in his work, always striving to do the very best. He enjoyed good food, luxurious and small hotels, and traveling with his family. He appreciated architectural salvage as well as the talents of local artisans. He will be remembered for his love of any and all animals. Ben is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathy; daughter and son-in-law, Lainee and Michael Jones; grandson, Peter Thomas Tarbe-Jones; and grandchildren, Tegegne, Hensley, and Fields Jones; brothers-in-law, David (Juanita), Doug (Jacque), and Dennis (Cheryl) Gwartney; many loving nieces and nephews; and his godchildren, Jonas, Alex, Jourdaen, and Hannah Sanchez and Katelyn Hutchens. A private rosary and funeral mass will be held. All who can attend are invited to a reception at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, at the St. Agnes Parish Center, 5250 Mission Rd. Roeland Park, KS. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the St. Lawrence Cemetery, Easton, KS. The family will also hold a reception for all to attend following the burial at the St. Lawrence Parish Hall in Easton, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Agnes Church, 5250 Mission Rd. Roeland Park, KS 66205; two nonprofits honoring his great nephew and niece Remembering Justin, Inc.,P.O. Box 437, McLouth, KS 66054; Remembering Alyssa, Inc., 21219 Turner Road, Easton. KS 66020; or a charity of your choice.
Burial information: St. Lawrence Cemetery, Easton, KS
This information was last updated 07/24/2023
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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