Benjamin F. Elms, 77, of Belleville, IL, born Thursday, October 11, 1945, in Sparta, IL, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Benjamin served in the Army for 4 years in which he was able to travel the world and spend several years in France. Ben was the owner of the Leman’s Way Beagle kennels as well as the co-owner and bartender of Heimy & Bens Bar in Fairview Heights. Ben was a member of Gothic Lodge #852 AF & AM, Ainad Shrine, Drum and Bugle Corp as well as the Krazy Klowns. Ben moved to Las Vegas and for 30+ years was a bartender for the Rio. Anyone who knew Ben knew of his love for Golf. Ben made many friends over the years and will be truly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Benjamin Franklin and Mary Alice, nee Cole, Elms
- Former wife: Janet “Fern” Williamson
- Sisters
- Nelma Edison
- Shirley Alvey
Surviving are his:
- Daughter: Patricia “Patty” (Beverly) Elms of Belleville, IL
- Best friend of over 50 years: Karen Horvath
- Several nieces and nephews
Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the to the family c/o Patricia J. Elms for funeral expenses.
6 Comments To "Benjamin F. Elms"
#1 Comment By Glenn Walker On May 16, 2023 @ 8:48 pm
Deepest Sympathy
#2 Comment By Tim Vanzo On May 17, 2023 @ 10:35 am
I knew Ben in Vegas in the ‘90s. A great guy with a hilarious sense of humor, we often laughed together at the absurdities of life. He was kind and generous. He will be missed by many.
#3 Comment By Angela Moran On May 18, 2023 @ 12:15 am
023 at 12:14 am
Ben was my bartender at AABG, he was so funny, endearing, he would listen, laugh with me. He was always so professional and kind. Years after I left the RIO, I would go by sir at his bar just to say hi and catch up, cause I missed him and just our conversations. There will honestly never be another Beny. He will be so missed. Rest in peace friend 🙏🥹♥️
#4 Comment By Richard W On May 18, 2023 @ 9:45 am
Ben was a great guy,
I sat across with him at the Rio bar for 20 years ….
We always laughed and had the best time !!
I will miss all the conversations we had about life ♥️
You will be missed Ben
Your friend Richie 😀
#5 Comment By Laura Pierson On May 20, 2023 @ 8:45 am
Ii worked with Ben at the Rio. He was / is one of the sweetest and carring people I’ve worked with. We were all at the Rio a big family 💜 Rest in Heavenly Peace Ben
#6 Comment By Bonnie Rohr On May 30, 2023 @ 8:33 am
Patty so sorry. Ben will be missed by many.