Funeral Services for Ben L. Lamensdorf will be conducted Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. at Anshe Chesed Congregation in Vicksburg, with Rabbi Aaron Rozovsky officiating. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Anshe Chesed Cemetery.  Mr. Lamensdorf died peacefully at his home in Cary, on Nov. 10, after a long illness. He was 83.

Born June 24, 1935, in Vicksburg, Ben was a lifelong resident of Sharkey County. He was the son of the late Sam Fielding Lamensdorf and Susie Bell Lamensdorf and was the fourth generation to live in Rolling Fork. He graduated from Rolling Fork School where he played football and was selected to represent his school on the state All Star team. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1958 with a BS degree in agriculture.   

His career farming cotton spanned over 60 years. During that time, Ben served in various capacities with numerous organizations and boards. He was elected Board Chairman of Bank of Anguilla, President of Delta Council and Board Chairman of Staplcotn. In 1981 Ben was named Cotton Farmer of the Year. He was a proponent of conservation and appointed by Gov. Kirk Fordice to the Mississippi Forestry Commission and also served as its chairman. He was a founding member and board member of Delta Wildlife. Ben and his wife were also members of Anshe Chesed Temple in Vicksburg.

Ben had a keen interested in local history especially as it related to Sharkey County and the Mississippi Delta. He was known for his sense of humor, generosity and agricultural knowledge. Ben touched many lives as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague.

Ben was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Betty Lee Grundfest Lamensdorf; his brother Sam Lamensdorf Jr., and sister Bettye Sue L. Kline.   

He is survived by two children, Deborah Lamensdorf Jacobs (Dr. Lou) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Mike Lamensdorf (Mary Jane) of Rolling Fork, and five grandchildren, David Jacobs, Jonathan Jacobs, Lauren Lamensdorf, Lindsey Lamensdorf and Gaines Lamensdorf. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Grundfest Gerache and brother-in-law, Stanley B. Kline.

Active pallbearers are Dr. Lou Jacobs, David Jacobs, Jonathan Jacobs, Gaines Lamensdorf, Robert Emmich, Mark Kline, Steve Kline, Dave Grundfest III and Jack Grundfest. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Paul Ballard, Frank Corban, Ed Joe, Stan Kline, William Moore, Phil Oxner, Jr., Drick Rodgers, Bill Rutherford, Johnny Warnock and Virgil Wells.

The family is grateful to his devoted team of caregivers who enabled him to live at home with peace, comfort and dignity.

Memorials may be made to Anshe Chesed Perpetual Care Fund, 2414 Grove Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183 or charities of choice.