Benjamin “Ben” Eugene Hampton, 40, died on Aug. 24, 2025, at his home in Adamsville.
Ben was born on May 21, 1985, in Lampasas to Ronnie and Penne Hampton.
He grew up in Adamsville on the family ranch, and ranching became his love. No one who met Ben could forget his infectious laughter.
In his early life, he grew up spending time with his cousins, which established lifelong bonds. He enjoyed playing baseball and was a left-handed pitcher. Ben had an enthusiasm for life and figuring it out on his own.
He and his brother Joseph started a bullet-making business to support their hobby and passion, cowboy-action shooting. Ben achieved World Champion Gunfighter three times as “Badlands Ben” at End of Trail. He had numerous other regional and state district awards and accolades.
During this time, Ben and Joseph started working with leather and making various holsters, wallets and other items to sell at trade shows. They traveled from California to Georgia competing together.
After completing school, Ben took that winning mentality, combined with his determination, and figured out how to make a living doing what he loved: talking and dealing with people. He started selling fertilizer with his granddad, Bob McIlroy, and eventually took over his book of business. He made a living in custom farming, raising organic beef and working at local auction barns. He listened to the wisdom and advice from the previous generation and applied it. Ben found his passion in ranching led to discovering ways to improve the land for better cattle production and water conservation.
Everyone knew Ben was a great storyteller and could put a twist on it to keep everyone laughing and engaged.
Ben loved teaching his nephews and niece the art of ranching -- from feeding cows, checking fences and making hay. It was important to Uncle Ben that after working, they had fun and spent hours fishing together.
Ben is survived by his mother, Penne Hampton; brother, Joseph (Katie) Hampton; nephews Samuel and Silas Hampton; niece, Charlotte Hampton; grandmother, Carolyn McIlroy; uncles and aunts Randy (Michelle) Hampton, Rusty (Buddy) Hampton, Nancy McIlroy Mauney, Robert (Pam) McIlroy; and numerous cousins, greatnieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ronnie Hampton; and his grandparents Robert McIlroy Jr., and Bill and Barbara Hampton.
Visitation will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m.
Graveside services will be held at Hines Chapel Cemetery in Adamsville on Sept. 6 at 10 a.m.
Donations in Ben’s name may be made to Cherokee Home for Children, P.O. Box 295, Cherokee, TX 76832.
