Benjamin "Bennie" Dove

Benjamin "Bennie" Dove, 94, of Appleton City, Mo., passed away May 14, 2016, at his home in Appleton City. Cremation, with graveside memorial services to be held in Appleton City Cemetery in September. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler, Mo., 660-679-0009.

Contributions in memory of Bennie are suggested to the charity of donor's choice. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Benjamin "Bennie" Dove was born Oct. 12, 1921, in Birdsville, Md., to Charles and Bessie Aldridge Dove. Bennie grew up in Birdsville and began to farm, raising tobacco. He was united in marriage to Virginia Seielstad on Dec. 8, 1975, in Prince Charles County, Md. Together they continued farming. In January of 1997 they relocated to Missouri where Bennie also farmed and raised cattle. He was a proud member of the Chilhowee Antique Tractor Collectors Organization and enjoyed using only antique equipment on the farm. Bennie was a simple man that believed in hard work and common sense. He was never one to see wrong in anyone, just a true and down-to-earth farmer.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles Reginald, Owen Aldridge, and George Melvin Dove; and two nephews. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Virginia Dove, of Appleton City, Mo.; and a sister, Charlotte Beach, of Florida.