Ben moved to Taylor in 1952, where he grew up and built lifelong friendships. He graduated from Taylor High School in 1966, excelling in athletics.

As a senior, he was quarterback, safety and captain of the football team, earning Most Valuable All-District honors and leading his team to state. He also captained the basketball team and was All-District in baseball.

In 1967, Ben answered the call to serve his country. He spent four years in the US Army, graduating from the Special Forces Green Berets and serving two tours in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division as a Forward Observer.

His bravery earned him numerous awards including two Bronze Stars with V for valor for acts of bravery, the Army Commendation medal for heroism, the Air medal for heroism in aerial flight and combat, and a Brave Eagle coin symbolizing his willingness to give above and beyond the call of duty. His time in the military shaped his character — disciplined, steady and selfless — qualities he carried into every chapter of his life.

After returning home, Ben earned his degree in air conditioning and heating from Texas State Technical College. He worked in the HVAC field before becoming co-owner of B&J Builders.

He spent the remainder of his career with Maxwell Auto Dealership, where he met Cindy, the love of his life, in 1991.

Ben and Cindy were married on May 7, 1993, building a life grounded in deep affection, shared values, and unwavering devotion to one another and their family. Ben and Cindy cherished their beach vacations with family, but Rockport held a special place in their hearts, and it became their home away from home for many years.

One of Ben’s greatest joys was watching his grandchildren and nephew play the sports they loved. Whether it was baseball, football, softball, hockey or soccer, he was always there — cheering, smiling, occasionally yelling at the refs, but always full of pride.

Surrounded by family, Ben was baptized on Jan. 5, 2024; a moment of faith and renewal that brought him great peace.

Ben lived a life defined by courage, strength, humility and love. He was a man who showed up — for his country, for his family, and for his community. His stories, his laughter and his steady presence will be deeply missed, but the impact he made will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Benedict Wayne MaCuk, stepmother, Tassie MaCuk, his mother, Billye Jean Wesolowski, and stepfather, Joseph Wesolowski. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cindy MaCuk, his brother, Richard MaCuk and wife Kay, his sistersin- law Carla Clegg and husband Brian, Cynthia Beran, and Kathy Beran, his children, Stephanie MaCuk, Laura Nuckolls and husband Heath, and John MaCuk and wife Kendall.

Ben was a devoted grandfather to Ashlyn MaCuk and Kevin Scott, Alec Griffith, Ben and Griffin Nuckolls, Noah, Luke and Levi MaCuk, and Dani Holdsworth. His legacy continues through his greatgrandchildren, Ava and Ivy Scott, and Paisley Holdsworth. He is also survived by his nephews, Connor Clegg and Keith MaCuk, and his niece, Meredith MaCuk.

Honorary Pallbearers are John MaCuk, Richard MaCuk, Alec Griffith, Heath Nuckolls, Ben Nuckolls, Griffin Nuckolls, Kevin Scott, Brian Clegg, Brent Bowen, Dharan S K, Gary Mohel, James Zvonek, John Fox, Jesse Pospisil, Pete Zimmerhanzel, Danny Hughes and Chuck Buzan.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Tim Sherman, Chaplain, Raven Rogers, Dimas Caquias and Keith Toolan with Concho Hearts Hospice, and Mary Pham with Home Instead, for their kindness and compassionate care of Ben and family over the past year.

Funeral services will be Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor with a reception immediately following at the SPJST Lodge in Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to CityView Bible Church in Round Rock (www.cityviewbible. org) or Pivot, Faith and Valor (www.pivotfaithandvalor. org/en/).