Benny Ray Bardwell, 77, of Denison, passed away in his home Wednesday, December 4, 2019.
Benny was born in Marksville, Louisiana on April 3, 1942, son of Clarence and Meon Bardwell.  Funeral services were held at Fisher Funeral Home in Denison Monday afternoon, December 9, 2019.  Services were officiated by Brother Lynn Burkhead.  Burial was at Fairview Cemetery with military honors.
Benny led a very eventful life.  In 1960 after graduation from high school, Benny joined the Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan; then subsequently stationed at Perrin Air Force Base in Denison.  It was during that time period that he met Kathleen Burleson, whom he married October 26, 1962.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he completed his education at Grayson College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1968.  He then began his career at Standard Brands and Nabisco.  After his retirement from Nabisco, he worked for the Grayson County Health Department and retired from there in 2005.
One of his most enjoyable things in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was an amazing husband and father.  Benny was the president of the Booster Club for Denison ISD for years and spent countless hours volunteering his time for all kids.  However, he loved being called "Pops" the best and was the greatest Pops in the world.  He never missed a ball game of his kids or grandkids, and went to more rodeos than he could count.  If any of the kids played, rain or shine, he was there...unless he got ejected.  Anyone who truly knew Pops knew that this was always a possibility.  When his grandkids played baseball and softball, he supervised the maintenance of the Bonham Youth Field for all the players.  He was a member of the First Christian Church since 1962.  He was also a Master Mason in good
standing of the Billie Mosse Lodge 1152.
Benny is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Burleson Bardwell, of 57 years; sons, Michael Keith Bardwell and wife, Cindy, of Ravenna; and Matthew Scott Bardwell of Dallas; grandchildren, Piper Bardwell Young and husband, Ron, of Greenville; Katelyn Bardwell Roberts and husband, Nathan, of Gober; Chase Bardwell of Ravenna; Paetyn Bardwell of
Whitesboro; Skye Durst and Arye Durst of Bonham; great-grandchildren; Rain Rae Roberts, who was name after her Pops; and Grant Dodson; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Linda Burleson; and sister-in-law, Judy Burleson, along with many nieces, nephews, family members and numerous great friends.
Benny was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Paul Reid Bardwell; father-in-law and mother-in-law; and brother-in-law, Douglas Burleson.
Serving as pallbearers were Walt Butterworth, Art Butterworth, David Butterworth, Brent Adams, Lindel Davis and Gary Holberrt.  Arrangements were under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home in Denison. - - - Fisher Funeral Home