A Glimpse of a Life Well Lived
“PRECIOUS
IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS.”
PSALM 116:15
Hardin “Butch” Benjamin was born at home in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on February 15, 1942, to Annie Brown Benjamin and Hardin W. Benjamin. After attending local grade schools, Butch arrived at Langston University in the summer of 1961. He quickly distinguished himself as a bright and engaged student, forming many friendships and excelling academically. Following his studies, Langston remained Butch’s cherished home for several decades.
Butch’s lifelong love affair with music began in 1947 during Christmas when his parents gifted him his first record and record player. This sparked an impressive collection that eventually grew to over 4,000 records. He had a deep appreciation for big band and jazz music, with Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Benny Goodman among his favorite artists. A true musical savant, Butch possessed an extraordinary ability to recall intricate details about his records, from the composer to the year of production. In his leisure time, Butch could invariably be found listening to, playing, or dancing to music. His passion for music extended to the university community through his custodial work within the music hall, where staff noted he ensured everything was “perfect”, as well as his involvement with the Langston University Marching Pride Band.
An adventurous spirit, Butch embarked on annual summer vacations across the country, consistently choosing bus travel over flying. When asked about this preference, he simply stated, “the view is better.” Some of his favorite destinations included New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City. Remarkably, in each of these cities, Butch had established a community of friends who eagerly anticipated his visits. Much like his reputation at Langston, he was widely known for his distinctive flair for fashion, particularly his show-stopping zoot suits, which he frequently acquired in San Francisco.
Affectionately known as “The Original Mr. Langston,” Butch was a ubiquitous and beloved figure on campus. He could often be seen engaging with students, sharing time with Ms. Meeks or in various staff offices, enjoying Fish Fridays, and even performing alongside the Langston University Pride Marching Band. Each year, alumni of all ages would return to campus not only for homecoming but also to reconnect with this iconic figure. The profound love Butch held for Langston, and the reciprocal affection Langston held for Butch, has transcended and will continue to transcend generations.
Order of Service
PRELUDE
NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE
REVEREND VERNON JONES • MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH GUTHRIE, OK
OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE
REVEREND DEANDRE HICKS LU • STUDENT MINISTER
PRAYER & COMMENTS
REVEREND LEWIS ROBINSON III
• MT. OLIVE FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH, GUTHRIE, OK
SELECTION
“WHEN I SEE JESUS – DOUGLAS MILLER”
REVEREND LEWIS ROBINSON III
• MT. OLIVE FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH, GUTHRIE, OK
RESOLUTIONS
MRS. CARYLON ROSS
SELECTIONS
“BEULAH LAND”- EDGAR PAGE STITES “PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND”- ROY RINGWALD LANGSTON UNIVERSITY CHOIR
REMARKS
PRESIDENT RUTH RAY JACKSON LANGSTON UNIVERSITY
REMARKS
(3-MINUTE LIMIT PLEASE) FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES
MS. BARBARA POTTS
MRS. JOYCE HENDERSON
DR. CLARENCE HEDGE
MR. TORREY PURVEY
MR. JASON MORGAN
MR. BRANDON “BC” CLEMOENS
RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL DETAIL
MRS. TIFFANY MARPLE-WILSON
READING OF OBITUARY
PASTOR EVERETT MACK, SR. • NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, LANGSTON, OK
SELECTION
“I KNOW IT WAS THE BLOOD” – JOHN AVERY LOMAX
MRS. ROYCE MACK
EULOGY
PASTOR EVERETT MACK, SR. • NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, LANGSTON, OK
VIDEO PRESENTATION
BENEDICTION
PASTOR EVERETT MACK, SR. • NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, LANGSTON, OK
SECOND LINE PARADE
LANGSTON UNIVERSITY BAND
INTERMENT
BEULAH LAND CEMETARY
REPAST
LANGSTON UNIVERSITY STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER (AFTER INTERMENT)
Special Thanks
Langston Students, Alumni, Faculty & Staff
Langston University Police Department
Langston University Copy Center
Aladdin Campus Dining Services
Belfor Property Restoration
Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson
Dr. Alonzo Peterson
Theresa Powell
Joshua Busby
Tiffany Marple-Wilson
Rachel Goff-Belmon
Sheena Ellis
Esachia Dollison
Barbara Potts
Dave Tester
Lewis Robinson, III
Tristan Wilson
Charlene Meeks
Clarence Harkins
Health Care Team
Kenyatta Williams-Kotey
Ebony Williams
Alex Johnson
Danielle Backstrom
Sage Powell
Rhonda Black
Savanah Haynes
Kayla Brekenridge
Stillwater Medical Center
3rd Floor Medical Team
4th Floor Rehab Team
Karman Legacy Hospice
Repast
Langston University
Student Success Center
Interment
Beulahland Cemetery
Services Intrusted to
Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc