Benjamine “Ben” Franklin Jordan, Jr.

Funeral services for Benjamine “Ben” Franklin Jordan, Jr., of Smithville, Okla., will be at 1 p.m. March 25, 2022 at Smithville Rodeo Arena in Smithville. Benjamine passed away March 19, 2022, at the age of 90.

Benjamine Franklin Jordan, Jr. was born on Nov. 30, 1931 to Benjamine Jordan and Blondella Hopper Jordan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Roxie; son, Billy Bob Jordan; daughter, Betty Jo Martin and daughter-in-law, Laura Jordan.

Ben was a lifelong resident of Smithville. His favorite thing to do during his childhood was riding calves and mules which led to his love of the rodeo. He spent many years rodeoing before he married the love of his life, Roxie Scott on Aug. 29, 1950 in DeQueen, Ark. Ben joined the International Rodeo Association in 1959, he was the eleventh person to get a card and his card number was 1,110. He was a threetime World Champion All Around Cowboy, a two-time World Champion Bull Rider, six-time World Champion Bareback Rider, and nine-time IRA Pickup Man at the International Finals Rodeo. Ben was inducted into the Bull Riding Hall of Fame in 2021. He was a founding member of KACS-PE and was known as a true dog man and loved a good dog. Ben spent more than 50 years raising and running Catahoula and Black Mouth Cur dogs. Ben was quoted as saying “I ranched, I did the things I like outdoors and horseback. I had the top cow dogs in the world. I done just what I wanted to do. I didn’t have to dig ditches.” He has many memories to be cherished by his family and he will be truly missed. Ben is survived by his sons: Benny Jordan and wife, Sidney of Mulberry, Ark., Kenny Jordan and wife, Cindy of Watson, Okla., and John Jordan of Vian, Okla.; grandchildren: Scott Jordan and wife, Madie, Jonna Jordan, Kye Jordan and wife, Lindsay, Casey Jordan and wife, Kylee, Jayce Jordan and TJ Martin and wife, Amanda; great-grandchildren: Jett, Raylee, Tyson, Acre, Audry, Maverick, Beau, Kade and Kaia; sister, Pat “Punkin” Rogers of Broken Bow, Okla.; nephew, Larry Rogers and niece, Misti Luke, along with a host of other family, friends and loved ones.

Interment will follow the service at Smithville Cemetery with Bro. Mike Fletcher and Danny Newland officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.

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