Benjamin Hooke Milliken Jr, 71, of Enola passed away, Thursday July 15, 2021 in the Hershey Medical Center.
Ben was the son of the late Benjamin H. Milliken Sr (who was KIA (Killed in Action) in the Korean War) and Esther (Bender) Hockenberry and also preceded in death by his stepfather Robert Hockenberry Sr.
Ben was a graduate of Tuscarora Valley High School, Port Royal, PA. Ben was the Drummer of the Esquires. They played dances at the Port Royal Community Building and Splash Hops and appeared on WGAL's Dance Party. Ben was a self taught drummer that did not read music. A few of his popular songs were Wipe Out and drumming and singing Wild Thing. He was also a member of the band, Changing Times.
Ben had a passion for racing Late Models and received several awards, 1976 Port Royal Speedway Champion, 1978 Selinsgrove Speedway Limited Late Models Champion, 1978 Les Shearer Sportsman Award Hagerstown Speedway, 1978 Arch Most Popular Driver award, 1980 KARS Series Point Champion (Williams Grove, Selinsgrove and Hagerstown), 1980 Individual Track Point Champion at Hagerstown and Williams Grove Speedway, 1981 Port Royal Speedway Late Model Rookie of the year.
Ben started hand lettering signs and race cars in his early teens. He was a very talented left handed free hand artist. Ben was the sign artist for the PA Dept. of Agrigulture for 32 years. He created the wellknown logo-"PA WE ARE GROWING BETTER". Ben also had his own sign business, BEN MILLIKEN SIGNS, until his retirement in 2013.
Ben was a charter member of the Enola Sportsman's Association and SAL of the American Legion Post 751 Enola. Ben loved to golf with his many golf leagues, loved to hunt in his hometown from his tree stand on the Herribone Ridge. When he was unable to hunt, he was feeding the deer, foxes and the squirrels in his back yard.
Ben loved his family, his children, his grandchildren and his golden retriever, Sheeba. Ben was known for his humor, creative talents and kindness to others.
Ben is survived by his children, Benjamin H. Milliken III of Enola, Angela R. (Michael) Clark of Mifflintown and Dean M. (Angela) Hoffman of Fort Brag, NC., A sister Bonnie (Jack) Snodgrass of Paxtang and 6 grandchildren Garrett and wife Rachael, Kiersten and husband Colton, Briar, Morgan and Fianc? Nick, Meara and Addison. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his first great grand daughter, Raelynn, in mid August.
He was preceded in death by a brother Robert (Randy) Hockenberry Jr.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 4:00 pm in the American Legion Post 751 Enola, 295 W. Shady Ln., Enola, PA 17025.
Memorial contributions may be made to the SAL SQD 751 American Legion Post 751, 295 W. Shady Ln., Enola, PA 17025.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/5/21 - Image Year: 1950
Ben as a young lad.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 7/5/17 - Image Year: 1967
Photo of Ben that appeared in the 1967 Tuscarora Valley High School yearbook.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/16/11 - Image Year: 1964
BEN MULLIKEN playing his drums.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/15/11 - Image Year: 1965
THE ESQUIRES OF PORT ROYAL: (l-r) Dick Sheerer, Jim Stimmel, Ben Milliken, Phil Kilmer and Larry Shearer.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 4/2/12 - Image Year: 2012
On March 17th 2012 the ESQUIRES held a reunion in preparation for the upcoming 200th Port Royal celebration in which they will be playing for the first time in 44 years. (seated (l-r)) Larry Sheerer and John Leidy, (standing l-r) Dick Sheerer, Phil Kilmer, Steve Leonard, BEN MILLIKEN and Jim Stimmel.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/16/11 - Image Year: 1981
Ben Milliken and his race car.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 2/16/11 - Image Year: 1983
Ben Milliken receives the Checkered Flag from his step-father Bob Hockenberry.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/1/23 - Image Year: 2010
Ben and his Dog. (Photo from sister, Bonnie's Facebook listing.)
