Wilson Benson (Ben) Sturgis, Jr. 81, formerly of Huntingtown, Maryland went to be home with the Lord on September 6, 2026. Ben was born May 22, 1945 to Wilson Benson and Marie (Colona) Sturgis at Salisbury Hospital in Maryland. Born the oldest of two children, Ben spoke often of his childhood on the farm with his sister, Joanie. It was there that he attended Pitts Creek Baptist Church.
As an honor student, Ben graduated from Pocomoke High School in 1963. During his time in high school, Ben enjoyed playing the French horn in the honors band. Ben was also an active member of 4H where he learned the skill of public speaking.
After earning a BS degree in Biology at Salisbury State College, Ben began his teaching career in 1967 at Calvert High School in Calvert County, MD. He would later complete his MS Degree in Biology. During his 34-year teaching career, Ben taught Biology and Computer Science. Ben especially enjoyed taking pictures of plants. He incorporated his pictures of plants into his biology curriculum. After his retirement from teaching, Ben was extremely proud to have been inducted into the Calvert High School Hall of Fame in 2001.
On November 27, 1993, Ben married the love of his life, Judith Sturgis. The two of them shared their love of the Lord as members of Bayside Baptist Church. At Bayside, Ben was a deacon and taught adult Sunday school for many years.
Ben and Judy loved traveling. Some memorable trips included traveling to Alaska in 1994 and going to Yellowstone National Park. During a cross-country car trip in 2001, the events of September 11th occurred while they were in Washington State. Ben and Judy were both amazed that people were talking to each other in restaurants and being patriotic again. However, they had to cut their trip short to return home. In later years, they made numerous trips on the East Coast in their RV. Ben was always proud that he had visited 49 states: all but Hawaii.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Benson Sturgis and Marie Sturgis. He is survived by his wife, Judith, his sister Joanie Olsen (Ken), and many “niblings,” as Ben fondly called his nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben’s memory to:
Samaritan’s Purse
P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/
or
Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Dept & Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 482, Huntingtown, MD 20639
Jill (Bowen) Buck
September 10 – Obituary: Wilson Benson “Ben” Sturgis, Jr.
Mr Sturgis was my Biology teacher at CHS. He was always kind and patient.The only not-so-great memory I have is getting an “E” because I refused to dissect a frog in his class. I remember seeing him and his wife (and Mr. & Mrs Phelps) camping a few times. They were always laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was nice to see them out of the classroom just enjoying life. Rest easy, Mr. Sturgis.
Chris Pixton
September 9 – Obituary: Wilson Benson “Ben” Sturgis, Jr.
Frank Carson
September 9 – Obituary: Wilson Benson “Ben” Sturgis, Jr.
He was a mainstay in my high school science classes. My favorite class of all was his Advanced Biology Class where I gained a lifelong interest in biology. I remember learning about cellular physiology in his class, at the beginning. I still remember his talking about what seemed his favorite part, Microtubules, which he studied in college, and I still remember. I graduated from Calvert in 1981, and it still stayed with me. I would occasionally see him over the years, and he always stopped to chat. A good and patient teacher whose skills will be missed, but he made his impression upon his students.
Tammy Elliott Powalisz
September 8 – Obituary: Wilson Benson “Ben” Sturgis, Jr.
I had the joy of being in Mr. Sturgis’s class in both 1978 and 1980. I remember well his plant slides. He was able to arrange for our Advanced Biology class to dissect small sharks. I am saddened to hear he is gone. I give my deepest sympathy to his wife Judith. I am happy he knew the Lord.
Merritt Modzel
September 8 – Obituary: Wilson Benson “Ben” Sturgis, Jr.
Mr. Sturgis was an excellent teacher with the patience of Job. Thank you Mr. Sturgis for teaching us the love of all living things. And the love for God.
Melinda Smith Kay
September 8 – Obituary: Wilson Benson “Ben” Sturgis, Jr.
He was an excellent teacher who knew his stuff and passed his love of plants, animals, nature and all things ‘biological’ to many students. May he rest in peace. Prayers of comfort to his family.
Peggy McCready Socias
September 8 – Obituary: Wilson Benson “Ben” Sturgis, Jr.
I am so sorry for your loss. I was just thinking about him the other day. My son is a junior and I was telling him about using DOS in my junior year computer science class in 1990.
Beth Williams Phifer
September 8 – Obituary: Wilson Benson “Ben” Sturgis, Jr.
Just last week I was talking to a coworker about Mr. Sturgis and how much I enjoyed my Biology classes. I loved his photography and identifying woodland plants. May he rest in eternal peace! My deepest condolences to his wife and the rest of his family.
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