Ben William Gilmore was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on August 23, 1929. He lived a life in service to our Lord and to our country. On March 30, 2023, Ben went to be with his heavenly Father while sleeping in his home in Citrus Heights, California.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 13 at 1:30pm at Destiny Church in Rocklin, CA.
Ben had a full life and saw the world change in his ninety-three years. He was born into The Great Depression and recounted stories of picking cotton in his youth. He moved frequently with his parents during his school years, completing his primary education in New York City. He told stories of becoming an Eagle Scout and going off for weekend adventures with his Scout Patrols, hitchhiking to wherever their ride took them, and then heading into the woods with nothing but a few essentials in their packs. Once, when he lived with his parents in an apartment overlooking the Hudson River, he used his flashlight to do Morse Code with the sailors and ended up inviting them up for drinks. His dad didn’t know until all those men started knocking on his door! But that was his way: always an open door. Summers were spent in Texas on his grandfather’s farm. He learned about hard work and business. His grandfather was also an inventor, a talent which Ben inherited, and which got him into trouble on more than one occasion.
In 1950, Ben was attending Arlington State University, where his roommate introduced him to his fiancé’s sister, Frances Hudgens. They fell in love but the war in Korea was heating up! Knowing the draft notice was in the mail, and having no desire to serve in the Army, Ben marched down to the USAF office and enlisted. In 1951 he completed Pilot Training at Reece AFB and headed off to Korea. He flew sabre jets right up along the border until he was poached by USAF Intelligence to become a courier. When his tour was up, he wanted to re-enlist. Frances told him that would be fine, but not to bother looking for her when he came home. Captain Gilmore came straight home and married Frances in 1953.
After leaving the military, Ben launched into his education, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering from Southern Methodist University. From there he went on to Harvard and earned his MBA, while Frances earned her PHT (Putting Hubby Through) from Harvard University, as well. This was an actual certificate given from Harvard.
Ben and Fran started their family in 1954, but in 1956, their first child, Virginia Faye, went to be with the Lord.
Ben worked for Cameron Iron Works and was in sales all over New England. During this time, he also got involved in politics, running and winning the Goldwater presidential campaign in Connecticut. The Republican Party approached him to run for the US Senate, but he wanted nothing to do with the Washington establishment. Instead, he took the family to California to make his mark in the business world.
In California, Ben worked as a business consultant for many different companies. He also helped his father with his own business, called Protective Cover Service. When his father died, Ben inherited the family business.
Ben and Fran lived in Freemont, Upland, and Morgan Hill with their two children, Guy and Fawn. In Upland they were active in the Jesus Movement and attended Calvary Chapel with Chuck Smith. During this time, they also became involved in Teen Challenge and Youth With A Mission, offering their home as a refuge for troubled teens.
In 1972, they moved their family to Morgan Hill and had their fourth child, Susan. God was still working and pulling them, so in 1977, Ben and Fran took Fawn and Susan and taught about the character of God at YWAM schools in 34 countries around the world. This included smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain into Romania and Hungry. In 1978, they returned to the States and worked full-time with YWAM in Solvang, California. When the base moved to Texas, the family moved back up to Morgan Hill, where they stayed until 2007.
While in Morgan Hill, Ben met Verna Hall and Rosalie Slater, who introduced him to America’s Christian History. In 1984, taking what he had learned, Ben started teaching the principles of American Government at his ACH seminars. In 1986, he applied these principles to the campaign trail in his bid for State Assembly. The California Republican Party was not prepared for a man of principle, and he went toe to toe with the establishment as a part of the Central Committee for Santa Clara, Monterey, and Merced counties, as well as the State Central Committee. All the while, he taught through his weekly column in the Morgan Hill Times and continued his annual seminars, which drew students from around the country. At this time they also were deeply involved with the Church of the Valley.
In 2007, Ben and Fran moved to Citrus Heights, California to be near their son, Guy, and their daughter-in-law, Linda. They tapped into their love for hospitality and began again hosting strangers in their home through AirBnB. Many of their guests have become good friends. They also started to attend Destiny Church. Ben continued teaching an online class for select students on Constitutional Government, accredited through William Jessup University. He continued teaching this class until Parkinson’s made it too difficult to communicate effectively. He published his third and final book, The Principles of American Government, in 2020, through the Foundation for American Christian Education. It is now used in schools across the country. His writing continued through a blog that he published until his death.
Ben lived a full life. He saw history unfold from The Great Depression to the dawn of Artificial Intelligence.
Ben was preceded in death by his daughter, Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Frances; his children, Guy, Fawn, and Susan; 4 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
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About |
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| Name | Ben William Gilmore |
| Date of Birth | August 23rd, 1929 |
| Date of Death | March 30th, 2023 |
| Home Town | Morgan Hill, CA, US |
| Other City | Citrus Heights, CA, US |
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Family |
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| Significant Other | Frances Hudgens Gilmore |
| Children | Fawn Gilmore Kraut, Guy William Gilmore, Susan Gilmore Martin, Virginia Faye Gilmore |
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Milestones |
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| 1945 | Eagle Scout | ||
| 1949 - 1950 | Clerk, Texas Service Electric Comapny | ||
| 1951 - 1953 | Sabre Jet Pilot, USAF - Korea | ||
| 1953 | Marriage | ||
| 1958 | Southern Methodist University, BS Industrial Engineering | ||
| 1958 | Southern Methodist University, BS Mechanical Engineering | ||
| 1960 | Harvard, Master in Business Administration | ||
| 1960 - 1964 | Sales, Cameron Iron Works | ||
| 1963 - 1964 | Connecticut Campaign Manager for Goldwater for President, Republican Party | ||
| 1964 - 1966 | Protective Cover Service | ||
| 1966 - 1968 | Plant Manager, Truss Joist | ||
| 1968 - 1972 | Business Consultant, Independant Contractor | ||
| 1969 - 1980 | Leadership/Teacher, YWAM | ||
| 1969 - 1992 | Owner, Protective Cover Service | ||
| 1984 - 2018 | ACH Seminars | ||
| 1986 - 1994 | Candidate State Assembly, California Republican Party | ||
| 1986 - 1994 | County Central Committee | ||
| 1986 - 1994 | State Central Committee | ||
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published a tribute .
I met Ben and Fran in the 1980s. I helped him campaign when he was running for senate. My little daughter Sarah would go door to door in a fancy little dress and tell the people all about Ben. she was about seven years old at the time. Fran homeschooled her in the third grade with several other students. The highlight of knowing Ben and Fran was when I took the American Christian history class. I told Ben and others that taking that course was like being born again, again. I know he will be missed by many, especially his loving and beautiful family. Greg and I look forward to being with united with him when our Lord calls us home.
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published a tribute .
A tribute to our good friend, Ben Gilmore.
My wife, Fran and I were teaching in Hurlach, Germany. At that time, Ben and Frances
were sitting in a YWAM School of Evangelism in Hurlach. We told them we were
starting a YWAM school in Solvang, CA two weeks from then. Their question was,
“Where’s the location for this?” I told them, “As soon as we get there, we will look for a
location, but as of right now we are located at PO Box YWAM Solvang, CA 93463.
They laughed their heads off. Ben, being a very brilliant man with a MBA degree from
Harvard University, looked at me with an expression of “What’s wrong with you?”
Nevertheless, the school in Solvang did come about, and Ben and Frances came to join
our staff.
Soon after that we met Verna Hall and Rosalie Slater, who were true Christian historians
and educators of American Christian history. They entitled the educational process as the
Principle Approach of Christian Education, starting K-12 schools across the nation. Ben
and Frances caught the fire of this vision, and ever since have continued to faithfully
communicate and multiply this message.
Ben recently went to be with the Lord. Thank you, Ben for being a faithful steward for
the Lord! Our prayers are with his family that God will continually watch over them.
With warm love,
D. Leland Paris
Founder of Youth With A Mission Tyler
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The memorial and tributes were beautiful. It's a joy to learn about how loving of a husband, father, and grandfather Ben was and how he touched the lives of so many; I wish I'd known him for longer than I did.
By God's providence, however, I officially met Ben when I took his Principles of American Government course online in 2019 with our friend Gina Harden. Additionally, it was a blessing to meet him, Fran, and their son, Guy, in person at Mr. James Rose's celebration of life. We kept in touch via email.
Ben was an answer to prayer for me in many ways. He became like a spiritual grandfather to me as he mentored and discipled me. I cannot express my gratitude for Heavenly Father bringing Ben into my life.
An encourager, an equipper, and a friend, Ben was one of the sincerest individuals I've been blessed to know. He was indeed a Master Teacher... one who could plant a seed that would grow for a lifetime. He knew how to teach in a way that reached the heart. Those seeds of truth that he planted in my heart are being taught to my children and others God puts in my path. We will keep on keeping on and never give up.
My family and I are keeping Fran and Family in our prayers.
With much love in Christ Jesus, Heather Hall, and Family, Oregon
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published a tribute .
The beautiful tributes today, taught me so much that I didn't know about Ben and your stellar family. Fran, you and Ben worked hard to teach your children well. Brendan and Kyle talking of their grandfather showed that transfer of Godly character, also seen in your children. A quest for excellence seemed lost to me until today. You laid a firm foundation and it shows. In my parents home was a picture with this saying "Only one life will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last". Ben's life and your legacy will last into eternity. Thank you for sharing your lives with so many youth who could have taken any path. God Bless you and your family and heal your hurting hearts.
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published a tribute .
I met Ben and Fran when they moved to Morgan Hill. He was a great teacher. I still remember his teaching on the character of God to probably six or seven of us young growing Christian gals. He also instilled in me a love for missions especially foreign which I still have to this day. This early teaching was such a help during some difficult times I went through later on. I so appreciate the opportunity to be apart of Ben's memorial service today on line. What a privilege has been given to us by our Lord Jesus to pray for one another. Love prayers and blessings to you Fran and family. Truly Ben's life was a blessing to many.
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published a tribute .
Thank You for letting me know of Ben's Passing. He is in the arms of his Heavenly Father enjoying his new forever home.
May God's Grace and Mercy be with you all as you adjust to life here on earth without Ben knowing you will see him again in his Heavenly Home. Sincerely Cathy Mills
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published a tribute .
Working with Youth with a Mission since 1971 I got to know Ben at home in Morgan Hill when he made his first candidacy for State Assembly. The many things I learned from him during that time are too numerous to repeat. The Hospitality of his home was frequently enjoyed.
published a comment .
We are are impressed! We used to tell him he was get down to where we can understand you! We loved he and Fran so much!
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published a tribute .
Hi Fawn
My name is Andrew Imafidon and I live in Toronto. I met you dad & Mum - Fran when I stayed at their place for a few days in 2020 & they were unforgettable days for me. We read the bible, talked about love of God, politics and everything under the sun. He took me sight seeing and gave me books to read. He is truly a great man and one of a kind. I called him the "white dad" with a "black son"…which made him chuckle a lot.
I will miss him but I have no doubt he is in heaven. Pls send my profound heartfelt greeting & condolence to your mother - Fran. I will call her if that is okay in the next days.
Andrew
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published a tribute .
With humility and respect, I offer these words to honor Ben, a remarkable man, unwavering mentor, and true inspiration to those who took the effort to know him.
Sharing an office with Ben in Solvang was a pivotal time in my life, and he played a crucial role in building the foundation of my life, mind, and spirit. Not only did he guide me in the art of faithful work, but he also instilled a solid foundation for life itself.
Ben's life helped shape and groom mine. His profound wisdom touched so many aspects of my life, and I know that I would not be where I am today without his invaluable guidance and advice. His words of truth were so powerful that ignoring them would have been a disservice to myself.
To spend any amount of time in Ben's shadow was an honor. He was a true role model and, alongside my own father, set the standard for the person I aspire to be. Ben's legacy will live on in the lives of so many.
Although Ben will be deeply missed, he will always be remembered as a great man, a faithful mentor, and an inspiration to us all. Thank you, Ben, for everything you have done for me and for so many others.
published a comment .
I so appreciate all that I learned from Ben. He was a remarkable man that shined the light of Christ and biblical knowledge of government and history. I remember a a pamphlet that came in the mail concerning government by principal. It was inspiring. He will be missed and I an so sorry that I can not be present for his memorial. I will be out of state. I wish I could be there to celebrate his like. Sue Carnes
published a comment .
We appreciate the ministry of Ben and Fran Gilmore over the years. I consider Ben my "principle mentor' and he has had a profound influence on me and my family. I had the opportunity to attend the ACH Study Group in the early 1990s with Alan Hughes and we were Blessed to have Ben, Jim and Beth come two years to Columbus, Georgia and present the seminar here. We are honored to have been friends with Ben and Fran and appreciate all they have done for The Lord and especially their friendship and faithfulness.
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published a tribute .
We met Ben and Fran at the YWAM base in Solvang. Ben and Steve were dubbed twin brothers because they did look similar at that time. Steve and Ben had a lot in common, such as the USAF. We became good friends and kept in contact over the years. We parted ways in 1980 when we helped move the YWAM base from Solvang to Texas and they moved to Morgan Hill, CA.. Then our home church asked us to come home and pastor a sister church in Manhattan Beach, CA. So Ben and Fran were in Northern CA and we were in Southern CA. We met together several times and they became strong prayer warriors for us when we went into missions in the "Ring of Fire", the Pacific Rim nations. We remember Ben as a focused follower of Jesus, a teacher of the Christian History of the USA, and a strong Christian activist with a dream of America returning to its Christian roots. His Christian blog was always right on and often with a challenge to do something to positively change the evils of society. He had a great sense of humor and we always really enjoyed being with him. He and Fran were a good example of a Christian husband and wife relationship. Their hospitality was so kind and loving and we really appreciated it over the years. We don't say "goodby", instead we say "see you later". Ben is having a wonderful time with Jesus checking out his mansion in heaven. We send our love and prayers for Ben's family: Wife - Fran, and children - Fawn, Guy and Susan. Ben will be greatly missed here on earth but he left a wonderful legacy.
published a comment .
Ben and Fran were our hostess for AirBnB. It was a Divine appointment for they were missionaries and we came as volunteering for Mario Murillo tent Crusade. We had much in common for the Love of God! One morning, we were surprised to see 100
published a comment .
From the first time we met in San Francisco pulled together by a common love and ever-growing commitment to the Lord, His calling to a nation and the power of His Word in the lives of so many. Full of creative and fun challenge especially for the'unaware emerging young. his highly-informed teaching sessions (and later through his blogs and news columns} marked his passion for that holy investment of the Trinity into a land that became the fledgling global influence of the United States of America to the world.
It has been our families privilege to get to know Ben and Fran over the multiple decades of ministry in our visits to the U.S. That they would take the time to be with us in some of our meetings as well as his personal encouragement and support over these years. I count as a signal donor. There waa nobody like Ben and perhaps never will be.
We who love the Lord all finally get the chance to see Him in person and thank Him for the gifts given us to be an encouragement. a blessing and our own small echo of what He wants for His world. Our only small short :sadness is that somehow Ben got to beat us home.
Winkie, Fae & Will Prstney (Formally The Travelling Sparrows; S Auckland New Zealand)
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published a tribute .
I met Ben at a State Republican event after I was elected to the Foster City Council. He and Fran lived in Gilroy at the time. Ben was an inspiration for me as I later served on the San Mateo County Central Committee. I appreciated his inspirational email messages over the years. In all that he did, illustrated his love and devotion to family, God and our country. Ben will be missed by many. Love, Linda Koelling, Former Mayor Foster City
published a comment .
Ben was a business man and volunteer at Teen challenge in So Cal. His impact on my life was significant. I came into the center addicted to heroin and because of men like Ben, Cliff Morrison, Jim Carr and others, I committed my life to Jesus. Their examples of Christ likeness impacted my life. That was 55 years ago and I’ve never looked back.
published a comment .
I met Ben and Fran when I moved to Morgan Hill in the early 70s. I was somewhere between Christian Science and meeting my Creator upfront and personally. Ben asked me if I wanted ‘meat’ , I said yes. He told me that I would have to be willing to lay down the faith I had to grab hold of Truth. He walked me through the process. Watching them live their lives, mentoring me and others, their home open to all at all times, put on display the character of a God a had never known. It’s been over 50 years, I’ve never looked back. Thank you Lord for this life well lived and a race well won.
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published a tribute .
At the Foundation for American Christian Education, we call Ben our teacher. When I met him in San Francisco at Thanksgiving dinner at the home of Verna Hall & Rosalie Slater, he became a God-sent mentor and encourager. As we now work with an editorial board to publish Verna Hall's final work, the Biblical Foundations of the Constitution, Ben's presence through his teaching of Principles of American Government is apparent daily. He lives on in the love of God he spread so faithfully to us and many others and through his major contribution in his writing of PAG. A great reunion is coming!
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published a tribute .
I had sought for years to understand the Principle Approach. Someone told me to get in touch with Ben Gilmore. I did. He gave me the keys to unlocking these principles. The first class he said that I will be referring back to the notes from his class often. He was right. I loved watching the enthusiasm in his face on Skype when I would understand a concept. He truly was an amazing teacher, mentor, and friend. I was hoping to get my first book printed and in his hands before he went to be with Jesus. I know heaven is rejoicing at his presence.
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published a tribute .
Early on in the beginning days of YWAM when we didn't know much or many people. Ben came along and gave us a boost that got us going. He knew many people and knew how to get us out there among them. We were young and very inexperienced but he knew how to display us like fine jewelry. For us, he was called to the kingdom for such a time that we needed him and he will not be soon forgotten.
published a comment .
I met Ben when I was learning how to teach. He was/is a master teacher and I know he is being rewarded in heaven right now. Several of my children sat under his and Fran's teaching too. We learned about the Principle Approach and so many other important subjects. We also had fun seeing them frequently in social environments. Miss him and praying for Fran now.
published a comment .
To Fran,Faun,Susan, and Guy: I’ve been praying for y’all all week. my heart is with you. love you much.
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published a tribute .
Ben was a pioneer, a shining light in pointing out truth, but also in directing people how to find it as well. He embraced the principle approach and America's Christian History with passion, yet was also very unique in how he taught it and helped others to learn it. He will be sorely missed this side of heaven yet is now a part of that great cloud of witnesses cheering us on to manifest a measure of the Kingdom of God "on earth, as it is in heaven." Well done, Ben, your legacy will live on! - Paul Jehle, Plymouth, Massachusetts
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published a tribute .
Fawn is a remarkable human being. I’m sure your father had a huge influence on you! Blessings and condolences as he continues on!
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