Benjamin Wade Phyfer

Benjamin Wade Phyfer (Ben, Benny P, Phyfe), age 54, passed away May 14, 2024, in Madeira Beach, FL.  Ben was born in Mexico, MO, but he loved to leave off the Missouri part and tell you he was born in “Mexico.”

Ben grew up in Poplar Bluff, MO, on the bank of the beautiful Black River, but the Current River was his true love.  He played baseball, football, and tennis growing up and had many friends who were his teammates in those sports. Ben was a graduate of Westminster College with a double major in economics and business.  He was a member of the Missouri Beta chapter of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.  Ben attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he received an MBA in Logistics Management.  During his life Ben lived in Fulton, MO, Knoxville, TN, Columbia, MO, Ft. Collins, CO, Atlanta, GA (twice), Dallas, TX, and Cleveland, OH, before settling in Florida for the past several years.  Ben enjoyed spending time with his daughters, traveling, golfing, and floating the Current River with friends and family.  He loved to plan trips and always had an ongoing list of the places he wanted to visit.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Wade Phyfer; his aunt, Kathryn Anne Phyfer; and his grandparents. He is survived by his mother, Mary Phyfer McClary; his sister, Cynthia Phyfer Bright (Tony); his daughters, Allison Marie and Danielle Wade Phyfer; and their mother, Cheri Phyfer Kubu (Jon). He was “Uncle Ben” to Joseph Benjamin Wisdom, Elizabeth Danielle Wisdom (Mark Stluka), and Cam Bright. In addition, he is survived by his long-time partner and best friend, Laurie Summers and her children Katie and Tyler.  He will be missed by his extended family and many great friends.

A memorial gathering will be held on June 22, 2024, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services, located on PP highway in Poplar Bluff, MO. Remarks by family and friends will begin at 12:30 pm in the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ben’s name may be made to the Westminster Fund, 501 Westminster Avenue, Fulton MO 65251 (or online at https://www.wcmo.edu/giving/fund.html) or Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd. Poplar Bluff, MO, 63901. A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at Current River at a later date.