Ben Joseph Fuhrman, 89, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, following complications from ALS. He was born July 20, 1937, in Decatur, Indiana, to Kathryn J. Fuhrman and Herbert D. Fuhrman. Ben is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janelle Ducrou Fuhrman; his three children, Laura Fuhrman (Joe Gersch), David Fuhrman, and Lisa Fuhrman Torres; and his granddaughter, Michaela Torres Oleksyszyn (Alex Oleksyszyn). He is also survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Rita Fuhrman; his sisters, Nancy Wood and Janet Hirsch (Paul Hirsch); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn J. Fuhrman and Herbert D. Fuhrman, and his brother-in-law, Gene Wood. Ben grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and graduated from North Side High School in 1955. That same year, he joined the Indiana National Guard, where he served as a jet engine mechanic working on the F-86 and F-84 aircraft. In May 1958, Ben entered the United States Air Force and completed technical training at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. He was then assigned to the 301st Aviation and Engineering Squadron at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio, where he served as a Bomb/Navigation mechanic on the B-47 and EB-47. In 1963, Ben was accepted into the final Officer Candidate School (OCS) class at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He went on to complete Air Force pilot training. During the Vietnam War, Ben flew the F-105 Thunderchief, affectionately known as the “Thud,” from Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. From January through September 1968, he flew 119 combat missions over North Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Ben continued his Air Force career at several bases throughout the United States, as well as assignments in Okinawa, Japan, and Sembach, Germany. He retired as a Lt Colonel from the Air Force in November 1984. Ben began a second career as a commercial airline pilot that same year. He started with People Express Airlines out of Newark and eventually joined Continental Airlines. He continued flying until his retirement from commercial aviation in 2000, completing his career with Continental Airlines, based in Denver and Guam. Ben eventually made his home in Mesa, Arizona. Beyond his distinguished military and aviation career, Ben will be remembered for the life he built with the people he loved. He enjoyed golfing with his wife and friends and treasured the community he found through the sport. He loved playing cards with his children and family, was an avid reader who always appreciated a good book, and enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and family. Most of all, Ben loved spending time with his friends and family. Those who knew him will remember his love of life, his adventurous spirit, his dedication to his family, and the many memories he created along the way. His family takes comfort in knowing that Ben lived his life to the fullest and leaves behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, and cherished memories. Ben will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arizona National Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held in Ben’s honor on November 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at his favorite bar and restaurant, Red, White & Brew, located at 6740 E. McDowell Road, Mesa, Arizona 85215. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to ALS Arizona in Ben’s memory.