BEN F. CHENAULT, Jr., died in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, May 14, 2008. He was 87 years of age. Born in Minden, Louisiana on November 15, 1920, to Alice and Ben F. Chenault, Sr., he attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, before enlisting in the United States Army. He served in North Africa, England, France, and Germany. After World War II, Mr. Chenault returned to civilian life and began his professional career with South Main Bank in Houston, Texas. In 1946, he accepted a position with Fisk Electric Company and eventually served as Executive Vice-President until his retirement. Electrical contractors, Fisk operated throughout the United States, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Mr. Chenault served on the Boards of the Plaza del Oro Commerce Bank and Fisk Telephone Company. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, who passed away in 1991. He is survived by his only child, Debra Wolcott and son-in-law, Craig Wolcott; grandchildren, Anna Lee Wolcott, Sarah Claire Wolcott, Laura Jane Wolcott, and Clay Stephen Wolcott; sister, Lee Conerly; nieces, Sandra Conerly Parker and her husband, Carleton, and Cathy Conerly Taylor and her husband, Ben. Mr. Chenault moved to The Hallmark in 1996 and enjoyed the company of his many friends, especially his beloved Eloise Ragsdale and her loving family. A reception in memory of Mr. Chenault will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The Hallmark, 4718 Hallmark Drive, on Saturday, the 17th of May. Prior to the reception, a private graveside service and interment will be held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston, Texas. Floral arrangements will be received by Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway. Memorials in Ben Chenault's name may be made to the Faith and Virtue Endowment at St. John's School, 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, Texas, 77019, or to an organization of one's choice. A gentleman to the very end. .

Published in Houston Chronicle from May 16 to May 17, 2008