Benedict "Ben" Joseph Janacek

Benedict "Ben" Joseph Janacek, age 79, of Mount Ida, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

He was born on May 28, 1946, in Pampa, Texas. He was the son of Benedict Anton Janacek and Olga Anna Rohan Janacek. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his older brother, Phil Janacek.

Ben served 4 years in the United States Air Force. During his courageous service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal. Vietnam Campaign Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. He sought out his education and earned his Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Administration at Metropolitan State College, Graduate Courses in Administration of Justice at the University of Colorado, and his Master's in Administration of Justice at Wichita State University. After his service, Ben worked for over 30 years as a Security Specialist for the US Army Corps of Engineers and Pine Bluff Chemical Company. He later used his security skills as a Police Detective, Chief of Police, and as an Alternate Personnel Security Officer. 

Ben was known for being fair and doing what was right for everyone, regardless of race, color, or creed. He never met a stranger and was kind and considerate. Ben touched many hearts, people described him as a good friend and mentor. From all the people that have reached out to his family it is clear that Ben was well-liked and loved by many. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He is survived by his wife, Diane Janacek; his children, Jeanette Graves (Eric Reid), Dawn (Scott) Evans, Amanda (Chad) Horn, Cathy Ernst, Christopher Janacek, and Patricia Fruit; his grandchildren, Haylie Horn, Cole Giompoletti, Graham Horn, Kyle (Ashley) Graves, and Kayla (Devon) Oswald; his siblings, Timothy Janacek, Beatrice Jarzombek, Katheryn Vaidos, Lawrence Janacek, Margaret Ryan, and Rebecca Janacek; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of wonderful friends. 

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home- Glenwood.

Guest Registry can be found at www.smithfamilycares.com