A baby boy was born to Austion and Anna Dean Behn in Okmulgee, Ok on June 30, 1946. They named him Eli James Behn.

Eli accepted Christ at an early age and united with the New Salem Baptist Church. He was baptized by his uncle Rev. Morris Behn.

Eli was educated in the Okmulgee Public School system graduating from the Historic Dunbar High School with the Class of 1965. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving a total of 4 years. He received an Honorable Discharge. Eli's love for the military caused him to join the Army Reserves spending a total of 25 1/2 years for a total of combined service 29 ½ years when he retired. Eli was a Drill Sergeant in the Army Reserves.

Eli met Patricia Parker and they were married on September 5, 1969. God blessed them with 52 years and 7 months of Holy Matrimony. They were blessed with 4 children. He loved his family.

Eli never stopped his education. He graduated from Oklahoma State Tech in Okmulgee in 1971 with a degree in Plumbing and Pipe Fitting. He also attended Meat Cutting school in Phoenix, Arizona and received a certificate upon graduation. Eli was a member of Local 469 in Phoenix and had a Journeyman card in Plumbing and Pipefitting. He was a wonderful provider and was employed by Ball Brothers Corp. for 18 years. He also worked at Okla. State Tech, Wal-Mart, Grand Plumbing Co in Arizona, several plumbing companies in Tulsa, and retired from L & M Plumbing in Tulsa in 2007.

His important assignment began when he was ordained as a Deacon at New Salem Baptist Church and then later was called by God to preach the Gospel. He was licensed and ordained to be a preacher. God anointed, approved, and appointed him to this task. Eli was called to Pastor Morning Star Baptist Church on the 4th Sunday in August in the year of 2002. Pastor Behn had a love for the church, and he had a Pastor's heart. He served locally in the church and held positions in the Southwest Creek and Seminole District as 1st Vice Moderator. On the state level he held several offices. He was Vice President in the State congress at one time, and in the General Baptist State Convention of Oklahoma, Inc. He currently was the Vice President at Large, under Dr. Michael Logan. He also had served as assistant treasurer. Pastor Behn served faithfully until his health failed.

Pastor Eli Behn, in his 75th year, transitioned from "Labor to Refreshment" on Thursday morning, April 21, 2022 from his home in Okmulgee.

Preceding him in death were his parents, grandparents, siblings, Austion Jr, Joseph, Morris, Mark, Lorene, Jane Ella, Wanda, and Greta. Also, his niece DeLisa and nephews Austin and Joel.

Eli is survived by his wife Patricia, sons Eli Jr and Austion (Myra) Behn; daughters, Cheryl (Michael) Lewis and Dewanna Behn. 11 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, a sister Hartense Behn. Sister-in-law Alberta Behn, Darlene (Carl) Jones, Gwendolyn Lang, Barbara Hammon, Dietta Parker, Anita Robinson, and Reta McRae. Brother-in-laws Lawrence Parker Jr, Vernon Parker, Kenneth Parker, and Leroy (Denise) Parker and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Consecrated Hour of Remembrance to reflect, worship and celebrate the life of this fallen servant will commence on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at High Noon, in the most holy sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, 5th and Seminole streets in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  Pastor Harold White, Pastor of New Salem Baptist Church will officiate and Reverend Jesse Frazier, Pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri, will render The Lord's Message.

The final salute and Christian Committal will be shared on Monday, May 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.  The funeral cortege will depart from the funeral home in Okmulgee at 9:50 AM for those who wish to travel in the procession.

You may visit Pastor Behn, as he slumbers in peaceful repose in the Chapel of Peace on Friday, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.