Francis Benton ("Ben") Burdine of San Diego, California passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the age of 96. Born June 24, 1930 in San Benito, Texas to Eula Francis Burdine and Frances Willard (Smith) Burdine, Ben grew up in Freer, Texas, graduating from Freer High School in 1947 before attending Texas A&M University.

In 1951, he entered the United States Air Force as an aviation cadet, earning his wings and commission in 1953. He served as a first lieutenant and jet fighter pilot during the Korean War, flying F-84 Thunderjets in Korea, and later, F-86 Sabres and F-100 Super Sabres at Foster Field in Victoria, Texas. While stationed in Victoria, Ben met Kathryn ("Kay") Koenig -- the love of his life. They married in 1956 at Zion Lutheran Church of Arneckeville, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than 56 years.

Ben completed his honorable service with the Air Force in 1956 and returned to Texas A&M, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration. He later concluded his academic journey by attaining his PhD in economics from The University of Texas at Austin.

After working for several years as a planning analyst for Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation in Houston, he joined the faculty at Victoria College in 1964 as a professor of economics. Ben and Kay then decided to make their home on the Koenig family ranch near Cuero, Texas, where they welcomed their only child -- a son, Blake in 1967. Family was always at the center of their lives, but throughout the years, they also developed many rich, longstanding church, social, and professional relationships. In 1994, Ben retired from Victoria College, having spent a very rewarding 30-year career in education.

Several years after their son Blake married Leigh Curtis and moved to San Diego, California, Ben and Kay became proud grandparents to Lauren and Ryan Burdine -- both of whom brought them immeasurable joy. Following Kay's passing in 2013, Ben moved to San Diego to be closer to Blake, Leigh, and his beloved grandchildren. Over the next 13 years, Ben fully embraced life in California, enthusiastically attending countless youth sporting events and musical performances, while becoming an integral part of his family's community.

As a man of deep Christian faith, unwavering principles, and genuine kindness, Ben embodied the spirit of a true Texas gentleman. He was known for his distinctive sense of humor and, above all -- his ability to laugh at himself. Ben also had a natural gift for playing the piano by ear and would sometimes even delight family and friends by singing "Jalisco", whether the occasion called for it or not. Even as declining health brought challenges in his later years, Ben always faced adversity with remarkable perseverance and a positive outlook. He was a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a treasured friend who made life richer for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ben was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay; his parents; his sister, Carolyn Joyce Burdine; his brother, James Marvin Burdine and sister-in-law, Patsy Goodson Burdine. He is survived by his son, Blake Hunter Burdine and daughter-in-law, Leigh Curtis Burdine, both of San Diego, California; his grandchildren, Lauren Shell Burdine of New York, New York and Ryan Curtis Burdine of Knoxville, Tennessee; his sister, Kathryn Burdine Miller and brother-in-law, Joseph Miller, of Pine City, Minnesota; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as many many loving friends and special caregivers.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church of Arneckeville, followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. and burial at Zion Arneckeville Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Ryan Burdine, Glenn Burdine, Matt Walker, Brantley White, Karl Wendel, Justin Malloy, Scott Walker, and Bryan Friedrichs.

Honorary pallbearers include William Acker, Jr. and Augustin Martinez III.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church of Arneckeville or the Victoria College Foundation.

You may sign the guestbook or send condolences at www.freundfuneralhome.com.

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343.