Donovan Milton Olliff

Donovan Milton Olliff eased into sleep Monday night, September 5, 2016 in his home in Midland, Texas. He was surrounded by his wife, granddaughter and of course- his dog Persia, at the age of 88. Most everyone knew Donovan as Ben. Ben is survived by his wife Andree Morel Olliff, his granddaughter, Alexandra Derck Garcia and his brother John W. Olliff, all of Midland Texas. He is preceded in death by his daughter Michele Olliff Derck, and his siblings Paul Olliff and Marie Thomson.He was born on August 23, 1928 at midnight in Santa Rita, Texas to William and Elzora Olliff. Ben graduated from Midland High in 1947 and went on to Compton College in California and then to Odessa college. He served as a loyal servant of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for five years in New York. Ben was in love at first sight when he met Andree. He married Andree Morel in May 21, 1955. After marriage, Ben and Andree shared their passion for Jehovah doing missionary work in Mexico.After moving back to Texas, Ben owned Midland Plumbing and began his property management company- building, selling and renovating homes. He could fabricate anything. With his creative nature Ben built homes for his immediate family which we still live in today. In August 1960 the couple welcomed their only daughter Michele into this world. Ben was always on the move. He was an early riser with morning diary entries before taking his granddaughter, Alexandra to school. Ben had an enthusiastic work ethic and lived his whole life to provide for his family. His hobbies included writing poetry, obtaining his pilot’s license, painting and metal casting. He even learned Spanish for missionary work and began teaching the language at Odessa College. Daddy Ben was a jack of all trades and a master of all of them. Not a soul on this earth ever said a negative word about him- he was perfect. There are no words that do justice in describing what a force Ben was. In the early 90’s much of his time between work was caring for his daughter Michele after she had been stricken with Multiple Sclerosis. To clear his mind of life’s stresses, Daddy Ben would trim mesquite bushes into trees at our property at home and teach his granddaughter Alexandra about chess and poetry. Around that same property he planted many peach trees. He was always amazed and in awe of what the creator provides.He was a caring, genuine, loving person that always went out of his way for not only the ones he loved, but for every person he met along his path. There will not be another like him, Ben transcended the lives of many and will never be forgotten.A funeral is scheduled for Monday September 12, 2016 at 11:00 am at Nalley Pickle & Welch Chapel, with burial to follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ben's life and legacy.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The National MS Society in honor of his daughter Michele at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate or by mail at National MS Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.Condolences can be sent to alexandra@benolliff.com. The family would like to thank Hospice and Tiffany Fewell for her care, dedication and love for Ben.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,