Bennie Lee Shivers peacefully departed this world on June 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Born in Burlington, North Carolina, on September 3, 1942, his life was a testimony of love, dedication, and service to others.
Bennie’s early years were marked by academic and athletic excellence. He graduated from Jordan Sellars High School in 1960, where he distinguished himself in both basketball and football, and graduated third in his class. He pursued higher education at Tuskegee Institute before completing his Bachelor of Science in Commerce at North Carolina College at Durham (now North Carolina Central University) in 1969.
A proud veteran, he served in the United States Air Force for four years being honorably discharged in 1967. His professional journey began in Texas with Johnson & Johnson, followed by a significant tenure at Hallmark in Kansas City, Missouri. Bennie’s career flourished at the City of Olathe, City of St. Petersburg (FL), and Avila College in Kansas City, where he made an indelible impact in the field of governmental purchasing. As a lifetime member of the National Institute for Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), he led as President in 2016 during his retirement. His excellence was recognized with the MACPP 2013 Charles Johnson Founders Award and the 2005 MACPP National Institute of Government Purchasing Manager of the Year.
Bennie was a man of many passions. He dedicated five days at the gym every week, and he found joy in tending to his lawn and carpentry projects. A committed member of his community, he volunteered at the Overland Park Arboretum and was a member of the NAACP. With the NAACP he particularly enjoyed creating a Haunted House for the kids for Halloween and distributing food baskets to those in need during the holiday season.
He will be remembered for being a dedicated and loving father, his quick wit, intelligence, and an inherent kindness that touched all who knew him. Bennie was a man of his word, someone who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand or share his knowledge and wisdom.
Bennie was the cherished son of Charlie William Shivers and Edna Mae Shivers, who predeceased him. He was also preceded in death by his brother Willie, sister Katherine, and nephews Wendell and Gregory. He is survived by his devoted children Rhonda and Roderick, who were his pride and joy, his loving siblings Mary, Curtis and James Thomas, and a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. A special mention is deserved for Brenda B. Shivers, his former wife and cherished friend. He will forever remain in the hearts of his family and cherished friends.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 10-10:30 a.m. with services to follow at 10:30 a.m. at the Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veteran's Community Project in Kansas City, Missouri.