Ben "Buddy" Middleton

Ben who was lovingly known by his family and friends from all walks of life…

He was the youngest child and only son, born to Ben E. and Ida E. Middleton, who both preceded him in death. One sister, Vivian Zachary (Waco, Texas) and One Nephew, Herbert Clayton (Dallas, TX) also preceded him in death.

On a bright day of June 14th, also known as Flag Day, Buddy would remind you that he was going to go celebrate Flag Day on his birthday. As a little child, Ben slept at the head of his parent’s bed, the long way, and would wake up tapping his mother on her face softly, asking for a bacon and egg sandwich until she would awaken and go to the kitchen.

Ben played drums at the early age of seven. His parents kept buying drums because he would drum to a beat until there was no more drum. He elevated to a real drum set and played in the Hamilton Jr. HS band, at Cleaves CME Church, on Marion St., for over 10 years, playing for the choir. Drumming was his jam. He was educated and attended, Stephen Knight Elementary, Hamilton Jr. High and graduated from George Washington H.S., Denver CO in 1982.

He loved football and basketball, starting with AAU Boys Basketball, playing in summer tournaments at University of Denver Basketball Arena.  Football started with the Holly Hills Eagles, #39 and Powell Knights, Ben was a pick to join the Sophomore and Varsity football teams, for the G.W. Patriots, from 1980 -1982, as a Wide Receiver throughout high school.

Ben’s parents made sure the family prayed, stayed, praised together. He lived a happy life, he was funny, smiled brightly, and loved Everybody because he grew up around lots of care and love.

Ben worked at Purina Foods, Area Diaper Service, Smalley Construction and Aramark Services throughout his career, he mainly worked at the Colorado Rockies Stadium, Invesco Field, and the Pepsi Center. He worked concessions and always making his way to the football field fencing to get an NFL Player’s attention and say, “Hey Man, let me get those gloves” then grin hard, but serious. And wouldn’t you know he came home with 1 glove or a pair almost every time he asked. Ask and you shall receive.

During the journey, Ben met his first love, Denise Henderson, a neighborhood friend from 7th Grade (Denver), she remembers him as loving and real. To this union a bubbly handsome, smart son was born, Aundrey Maurice Middleton. They were married on December 5, 1992.

As the winds shifted in Ben’s life, he was one who believed he could fly. He had influence in so many areas of his travels around the Denver area. He is someone you will always remember.

In the summer of 1998, Ben met Michele Mejia, and into this world they brought a beautiful baby girl, Angel Nicole Middleton. She was so happy, friendly, smart, and prissy. He called her “My Little Bundle of Joy.”

Ben’s 3 granddaughters; Nalani, Amani Middleton and Niamiyah, loved calling him” Pops”.

Ben enjoyed life to the fullest and time well spent with his siblings, Phyllis, Deborah, and Bridget. Growing up with loving, nurturing, honest, parents; they taught us to respect each other and anyone that crossed our paths. Dad always told us to Watch, Fight and Pray.

Ben’s gentleness, his infectious smile, wit, genuine concern, and zest for life, will be missed dearly.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

3 Sisters, Phyllis Jackson (Rev. James) (Waco, TX), Deborah Jackson, (Wylie, TX), and Bridget Halliburton, (Ft. Worth, TX); 2 Children, Aundrey Middleton (Brittany), (Aurora, CO), Angel Middleton (Desneiges), (Arvada, CO); his 3 grandchildren, Nalani Middleton, Amani Middleton and Niamiyah (Aurora, CO); 3 Nieces, Crystal Anthony (West, TX), Anastasia Stevens (Dallas, TX), and Chloe Jackson (McKinney, TX); 2 Nephews, Jason Lee (Waco, TX) and Camarin Halliburton (Fort Worth, TX); 2 Great-Nieces, Kendee Hilliard (West, TX), Brianna Clayton-Hooper (Darius) (Dallas, TX); 1 Great-Nephew, Kelvin Anthony (Andrea) (Chapel Hill, NC); 1 Great-Great Nephew, Ayden Clayton (Dallas, TX); 1 Great-Great Neice, Amari Hooper  (Dallas, TX). Along with his family, Buddy leaves a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Relatives and Friends across the country.