Benny Ray Herron

December 20, 1936 - February 4, 2022

Benny Ray Herron (December 20, 1936 – February 4, 2022) On February 4, 2022, the world lost a man of magnitude, ingenuity, humor and wit, when Benny R. Herron (85) died in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by his loved ones. Ben was born on December 20, 1936 in Gentry, Arkansas and lived in Fort Smith, Arkansas until his early 20s. He moved to Kansas City in the early 1960s, which became his home and entrepreneurial playground for the remainder of his life. Ben was a self-made Renaissance man of many pursuits. Throughout his 85 years, Ben served as Army soldier, dance studio owner, restauranteur, residential/commercial real estate investor, and liquidator/retailer/auctioneer. Anyone who knows Ben knows that his life was his work, and couldn’t imagine him ever retiring. Fortunately, he was able to energetically and enthusiastically pursue the work that he loved up until his final days. Ever the entrepreneur, Ben was always scouting out the ‘Best Deal,’ (the name of his retail business) right down to his hospital bed, which he somewhat comedically asked his family to sell out from under him during the final days of his life. It turns out that he was actually communicating that he had a similar bed in his inventory, now realized what a good product it was, and wanted to be sure it made its way into the life of someone who needs it. He sincerely asked his loved ones to organize the sale and split the profit. This is representative of the kind of deal that Ben was constantly seeking - one that was unique and resourceful but, more importantly, a transaction that helped others in the process. It also represents the kind of humor that he shared until the final minutes of his life, bringing unexpected smiles to the faces of his loved ones, even in the midst of immense sorrow. Ben viewed his work as a means to put his spiritual principles into action, helping countless people get on their feet and achieve self-sufficiency, whether they be family members, business partners, employees, friends, or simply random strangers down on their luck. He was a pillar of the KC Midtown community for the positive opportunities he created. Anyone who has been a local restaurant owner or commercial real estate professional in the KC area at any time over the past five decades has probably crossed paths with Ben. Ben was known by family and friends as the ultimate jokester, always aiming to make people smile and never too proud to tell the corniest of dad jokes. He loved watching movies, football and boxing, and was one of the first people in the world to own a digital recording device (TiVo, circa 1999). His nearest and dearest knew better than to mention the results of a Chiefs game around Ben because he was notorious for waiting until it was over to start watching, so he could fast-forward through the commercials. It was suspected that his goal may have been to get through a game in the time it took to polish off a serving of his favorite treat – Foo’s Frozen Custard. Despite the lighthearted jest that Ben brought into the lives of so many, it was clear that his spiritual faith was at the heart of all his personal and professional pursuits, as he endeavored to incorporate Unity principles into all facets of his life. Often the voice of the spiritual blessing at the family dinner table or the office meeting, his physical absence will be gravely felt, but his divine presence will live on. Ben’s family and friends are blessed to have a guardian angel who is watching over and guiding them from his dance floor in heaven. Benny R. Herron is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mina Herron; daughter, Calie Randazzo; stepchildren, Jerry and Angie Slavens; grandchildren, Devon and Lane Slavens, and Neo and Emery Randazzo; sister, Linda Herron; nephew, Todd France; niece Tammy France-Pullen; and great nieces and nephew, Kendra, Lexie, Mandy and Taylor. Ben was preceded in death by his daughter, Sabrina Herron; father, Charlie Herron; and mother, Bennie B. Herron. We take great comfort in knowing that all of Ben’s furry buddies who passed before him, including Malley, Mr. Boo, Sassy, Solo, Ringo, Lucky, Buddy, and many others, were anxiously awaiting his arrival at the Rainbow Bridge. A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at Unity Temple on the Plaza on March 6, 2022 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Another Chance Cat Rescue (www.accrkc.com): Venmo: Mina Herron @Another_Chance_Cat_Rescue PayPal: [email protected]