Burleson, TX –Ben Leland Hoaldridge passed away, on June 14, 2017 in Burleson, Texas. He was born on July 27, 1950 in Fort Worth, Texas to Henry Freeman Hoaldridge and Lela Beatrice Massey Hoaldridge. Ben is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Jared; brothers, Wayne and wife Annette of Utah, Hank and wife Colene of Burleson; brothers in law, Richard and wife Linda Karanian, James and wife Lia Karanian, Ed and wife Julia Karanian; sister in law, Kathy Barriere; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends, students, and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents. Ben received his Bachelor of Music Education at Midwestern State University and completed his Master of Music degree from Eastern New Mexico University. He was the Director of Bands in Munday, Olney, Burkburnett, Graham, and Bowie Texas where he retired in 2005. Olney High School Band was named the Texas Music Educators Association Class AA Honor Band in 1984. Professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Association of Texas Small School Bands, American School Band Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. We as his family are truly thankful and grateful for all of Ben’s biggest supporters and motivators, be you a friend, family member, former student, or former colleague. Outside of his family, the thing he cherished most was his role as an educator, and he has all of you to thank. We want to make sure to let everyone know just how much each of you helped sculpt Ben throughout his life, and how much it meant for him to have the relationships that he did. The pain of losing him, though tough as it is and will be, is and will always continue to be outweighed by all the wonderful stories, photos, and memories we have of him. We can’t thank you enough for celebrating his life with us, for supporting him throughout his life, and for helping him have such a life worth living. Thank you for your support, love, well wishes, and prayers during this time, and please know that Ben was who he was in large part due to people like you. In special remembrance as a husband, father, colleague, teacher, and friend, a memorial scholarship is being established to be presented to future music education and band director students at Midwestern State University. All donations may be sent to: Ben Hoaldridge Memorial Scholarship, Rodney Bennett, Olney High School Band, 704 W. Grove Street, Olney, Texas 76374. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.lonestarcremation.com
5 Responses
Mr. Hoaldridge, you remain tobthis day one of the most pivotal teachers and mentors I had the priviledge of learning from. I’ve traveled this world working for, and with, a variety of wonderful mentors. You however top them all! You taught us to “think we can”! This little AA band from Olney, Texas learned the mountains we could climb if we only believed in ourselves, as well as what we were shown by teachers like you and Aron Baber (Newman)… I’ll never forget you sir!
I knew Ben as Wayne’s younger brother. From his obituary it sounds like he made good use of the time he was here on Earth. My heart felt condolences to all members of the Hoaldridge family.
Ben was the best brother law anyone could ask for. He loved my sister and made her happy and that would have been more then enough to make me love him but he was also funny, smart, a great musician and a band director. Ben was one of those people that made everyone at ease and could talk to anyone about anything. It is still hard to believe he has left us but I can still hear his voice in my head telling jokes and talking about days gone by.
Love ya Mr. Ben
Ben Hoaldridge was my Brotjer in Law .I always called him Uncle Ben for some reason. Ben was the kindest , sweetest , most caring man I have ever known . He thought of everyone else but himself . He was an amazing husband to my Sister Carolyn, he was a wonderful dad to his Son Jared . I loved Ben so much . I enjoyed his quirky sense of humor , and we were very close . I miss him so much , and will forever . I’ll always treasure his his laugh , his kindness , and our love for desserts! I know you are at piece , free of pain and suffering . I know your up there making heavenly music . I love and miss you Uncle Ben .
I am sorry they omitted your role with the Breckenridge Junior and High School bands, but your students from there will not soon forget your place in our lives and how you helped to,shaped our lives!