Benjamin Behunin

Benjamin Behunin, 80, of Taylorsville, Utah, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on May 2, 2023. Ben was born December 28, 1942, to Joseph Leland Behunin and Nelly Wright Behunin in Ferron, Utah. He was born under difficult circumstances and had to fight just to stay on earth. He had an important mission in helping build the Kingdom of God.

Ben was left motherless at six months old when his mother died. At the age of 15 months, Heavenly Father blessed him with another angel mother, Melisa Ann Glade Behunin, who taught him the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through this, Ben gained a testimony of Jesus Christ and blessed people throughout his life.

Ben graduated from West High School in 1961. Following graduation, Ben was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central British Mission. After his mission, Ben attended Brigham Young University where he met Pauline Fautin, a nursing student, in social dance class. His brother Joe was married to a BYU nurse, and this only encouraged him to pursue Pauline more diligently, due to the sibling rivalry between the two brothers. After dancing the whole semester away, they fell in love and were married August 15, 1967. In 1972, Ben was forever changed with the loss of his brother and best friend Joe, who was only 18 months older.

Ben served in the United States Army Reserves from 1966-1972. In 1971, Ben graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Horticulture. Soon after, he started Behunin Landscaping which evolved over the years. In his later years, he still liked to help his son with Behunin Tree and accompany him to visit clients. Ben was an entrepreneur and worked hard every day to support his family. He taught the value of hard work to his children and those that he employed. Ben loved the tree and landscape industry and worked hard to promote best practices in the state of Utah.

Ben also served his community by serving on the Taylorsville Bennion Water Board from 1993 to 2017 and Central Valley Reclamation Facility Board from 1997 to 2017. He gained many wonderful friends and colleagues from this service.

Ben came to know Jesus Christ and had a very personal relationship with Him. Ben understood that His atoning sacrifice was the greatest blessing for mankind, but it was for him individually. Ben was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served faithfully in many leadership callings. Ben and Pauline especially enjoyed their assignment as service missionaries at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Ben and Pauline welcomed 5 children into their family, Benjamin Scott (Julianna), Michelle Brooke (Curtis Fullmer), Tonya Marie (AJ Lucero), Eric Todd (Becky), and Misty Lynn. Ben was so proud of his posterity. Four of his children served honorable full-time missions, but more importantly all his children were married in the temple of God. Their family continued to grow over the years welcoming 13 beautiful granddaughters and one precious grandson who was named after him.

Ben loved BYU football, the outdoors, and taking any opportunity to go fishing and hunting. He loved hot dogs, peanut butter and honey sandwiches with an extra layer of butter, and ice-cold Coke. No one poured a better Coke than Ben. He enjoyed telling stories, helping people, speaking at funerals, and spending time with friends and family.

Ben was always a friend to everyone. He was a kind and thoughtful person. He will be missed and remembered by the lives he touched. Ben, everyone you left in this world is devastated that you are gone, but we are happy that you are home, free from pain, and surrounded by loved ones. We will always love and miss you. Until we meet again.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 6250 South 2200 West in Taylorsville, a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.