Benjamin Bruce Hinkson, 96, of Springfield, passed away on Sunday, June 14, at 1:40 p.m., in his home and his beloved family was all in attendance. He was born on October 11, 1912, in rural Furley, Kansas. Benjamin attended BIOLA, Bible Institute of Los Angeles, Sterling College, Friends College and Central Seminary. He was a minister of the gospel for 45 years until his retirement. Benjamin married Eleanor (Renkes) Hinkson on June 14, 1939 in Sterling, Kan. He was a member of the Baptist Church, president of Kansas Baptist Association (2 times), president of the Greater Kansas City Evangelical Ministers Association, active in Optimist and Lions Clubs, and co-founder of Lakeview Village Retirement Community in Lenexa, Kan. He was an avid camper and outdoors man and enjoyed family activities. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ason and Sarah Hinkson; brothers, Bernard, Donovan, Quentin Hinkson; daughter, Patricia Ann DeWeerd. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Hinkson; children, Jeanne and husband Larry McCroskey, Nixa, Mo., Dan and Jackie Hinkson, Springdale, Ark., David and Vicki Hinkson, Piedmont, S.C.; grandchildren, Christi Fairchild, Cami Jenkins, Casi Pinegar, Kate, Jester, Scott Hinkson, Trent Hinkson, Matt Hinkson, Wynter Wells, Matt DeWeerd; great-grandchildren, Trevor Jenkins, Madison, Macy, Marion DeWeerd; sister, Doris Woolard, Merrit Island, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at 10 a.m. in Seminole Baptist Temple. Burial will be follow in Patterson Cemetery on Wednesday, June 17. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 16, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Greenlawn Funeral Home South. The Hinkson's celebrated 70 years of wedded life on Sunday, June 14. Ben and Eleanor have ministered to congregations for over 45 years. The Hinkson's flag was lowered to half mast as the celebration of their 70 years together became a celebration of Ben's 96-year pilgrimage to meet his Savior face-to-face. The two of them have created a tremendous legacy of Love, Commitment and Christian Faith. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International, Springfield South Camp, PO Box 4221, Springfield, MO 65808-4221.