Benjamin "Ben" Franklin Shawver

Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Shawver, 90, passed away on September 13, 2026. Born August 20, 1936, in Covington, Virginia, Ben had recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by those who loved him. Ben left this world to go to his heavenly home on a beautiful Sunday morning, just as the sun was rising over the mountains he so loved to view. As the morning sunlight came through the window and shone upon his face, Ben peacefully began his journey home to be with his Lord and Savior. Ben was the son of Benjamin Franklin Shawver Sr. and Letha Mae Craft Shawver, who preceded him in death. Ben began his career in mechanical and electrical engineering, eventually expanding his work into a successful general contracting business. Throughout his career, he helped with the construction of more than 13 HCA hospitals and became a well-respected contractor throughout Southwest Virginia. His hard work, knowledge, and dedication earned him the respect of many throughout his profession. Ben was a man of strong Christian faith with an unwavering belief in Jesus Christ. His love for the Lord and his faith were an important part of who he was and how he lived his life. He carried that faith with him throughout his 90 years, trusting in God and the promise of eternal life. His family finds comfort in knowing that the faith Ben held so dearly remained steadfast throughout his life. Above all, Ben was devoted to his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Ponnie Linkous Shawver; his son, Jeff Shawver and wife Ann; his daughter, Kim Wilbourne and husband Mike; his grandchildren, Jason Peters, Elliott Peters, Keeley Marshall and husband Scott, Landon Wilbourne, Austin Wilbourne and wife Joy, Eric Shawver, and Matthew Shawver and wife Blair; and 11 great-grandchildren. Ben is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Priscilla and Mike Patrick, Butch and Gina Linkous, Debbie and Eddie Gallimore, and Jo Linkous, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his daughter, Toni Shawver Roberts; Kevin Keith Shawver; his brothers-in-law, Clayton Linkous and John Linkous; his sister-in-law, Pam Linkous; and his mother- and father-in-law, Stella and Otis Linkous. Ben lived a full 90 years marked by hard work, accomplishment, devotion to his family, and a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. He leaves behind a legacy not only through the work he accomplished and the communities he served, but most importantly through the family he loved and the Christian faith by which he lived. While Ben will be deeply missed, his family finds peace and comfort in his unwavering belief in Jesus and the assurance that he is now at home with his Lord and Savior. Service Information Visitation will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Shawsville Congregational Holiness Church. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Shawsville Congregational Holiness Church, with Pastor West Conner and Pastor Ed Gallimore officiating. A graveside service will follow. Flowers are appreciated. Those wishing to honor Ben’s memory may also consider making a donation to the Congregational Holiness Church Sunday School Department in Shawsville, Virginia, or Bethesda House of Mercy in Floyd, Virginia.