Obituary

Ben Frank Fairburn

July 7, 1964 - September 9, 2024

Benjamin Frank Fairburn, age 60 and of Tylertown, MS, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Resthaven Living Center in Bogalusa, LA. He was born Tuesday, July 7, 1964 in Bogalusa, LA.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 9:00 AM until funeral service at 11:00 AM at Hartman-Hughes Funeral Home, 412 Beulah Ave., Tylertown, MS. Burial will follow in Centerville Baptist Church Cemetery at Lexie, MS. Bro. Randall Griffin will officiate. Hartman Hughes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ben Frank Fairburn knew every nook and cranny in Tylertown. He also knew how many steps it would take you to get from one point to any other point in this town. 

This year, he hasn’t been walking; however, last night, he walked right into the arms of his Lord and Savior. And I believe he knew a while back how many steps it would take him to get there. 

There are many stories that I could tell you about this man. I know lots and lots of people around here could do the same. Some great ones, some funny ones, and probably some not so good ones, but all in all, he left a mark. His whole life told a story. 

Ben was an army man as he served 20 years in the Army National Guard. He could tell you all about a Bradley tank. I asked him earlier this year how long it had been since he drove a vehicle. He said, “a car or a tank?” lol.

He also went to Desert Storm. I personally never heard him say a word about his time over there, but I’m still pretty dang proud of him for going. 

Ben was an artist. A lot of people can tell you that he painted or drew something for them. If you look around town, you will see his art. Growing up, us kids weren’t allowed to touch his art supplies, but if we bugged him enough, he’d give us his broken pieces to use. Don’t ask me how I know.  

Ben Frank was a son, a brother, and an uncle. He was the only son to Benny and Peggy and if you ask any of us we will tell you how spoiled he was by them. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Benny J Fairburn; and mother, Peggy Sue Varnado Fairburn.

Survivors include his brother, Justin Tyler Fairburn (Nisi); sisters, Betty Dillon (Hoover), Becky Stewart, and Beverly Fairburn (Dennie); nephews, Kevin Barnidge, Kyle Barnidge, and Matthew McKenzie; nieces, Dena Dillon, Kamie Bacot (Andy), Kristy Laird (Jace), Kelly Howard, and Demi Fairburn; along with a host of loving family and friends. 

Pallbearers will be Dennie Fairburn, Matthew McKenzie, Justin Fairburn, Andy Bacot, Jace Laird, and Kevin Barnidge. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Wayne Bennett, Ricky Dufrene Jr., Todd Prescott, and Perry Dillon.