Benjamin Christian Ward

Benjamin Christian Ward passed away on December 5th, 2023, at the young age of 34. Benjamin was born on July 26th, 1989, in Edmond, Oklahoma to Jerry & Renee Ward as the firstborn. He grew up in Edmond, as well as Oklahoma City. He is survived by his father, Jerry, his mother, Renee, his sisters, Providence (Provie) and Alexandrea (Allie), his nieces, Liora and Elize, his nephew, True, and many extended family members & friends. Allie says that she will miss him every day and loved him so much.

Ben has always been a collector, as a toddler it was pockets full of rocks. That moved on to collecting tortoises, comic books, duct tape, Pokémon cards, swords, and disc-golfing discs and knives. If he loved it, he would gather and collect it. Ben was a collector of knowledge and lover of truth. Whenever a new concept or idea of interest crossed his path, he would not rest until he learned what he could about the subject. Another passion of Benjamin’s was his love of the great outdoors. He enjoyed growing up attending family reunions, hiking, and being in the mountains.

He accomplished much in his short life. His family & friends would agree, he was incredibly smart & gifted.  At the age of 9, Ben gave his life to Jesus, followed by several Misson trips to help the needy.

Ben was involved in scouting from Cub to Eagle, this is where he developed a love for the outdoors and learned perseverance.

His mom homeschooled him K-12 and he graduated high school in 2008. After High School, he pursued his love for music by joining the first class of the ACM @ UCO. In 2010, he graduated from their program with an associate degree in music. He was a creative guitarist and an excellent teacher.

If you knew Ben, music was at the forefront of conversation. Every genre was loved by him… even a few country artists. Music was his favorite way to connect with a crowd. Music to him was something to be shared not to horde it was an expressive gift to give to those around him. He was in several bands with differing genres. Metal bands like Farewell Dearheart and The Monroe Doctrine, Indie Pop - For The Atlantic, and what became his absolute favorite the Blues with Them Hounds, along with many other collaborations.

His pride and joy is a treasured dark blonde butterscotch telecaster guitar. Her name is Giselle, which means “peace offering”. We believe that to be true— his music was his offering of peace in the story of his life. He was full of music.

He was an avid disc golfer. He worked all the way up to flirting with semi-pro status.

Ben was also an artist. Many of his paintings grace the walls of his family and friends.

He was full of charisma; to know him was to love him. He had a very distinct, infectious laugh that you could hear from two states away. His friends & family deeply value the love and joy he spread just by being near. His presence was that of a loyal friend. When it came to friendships, he was the best. Once he chose you as a friend, your importance in his life was front and center. That was reflected in every action. You would never go through hardships alone with him by your side. He made it impossible for someone to feel unworthy or low. He brought light and positivity to every situation. No matter the circumstance Ben was genuine. He was kind and tender-hearted. He was loyal, compassionate, and big-hearted. His comrades described him as “an incredible connector of people”.  He touched so many lives…

This is a quote from one of his favorite video games, The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time that he found profound— “The flow of time is always cruel…its speed seems different for each person, but no one can change it. A thing that doesn’t change with time is the memory of younger days.”

The legacy Ben leaves behind will continue to live on in our memories, and in our hearts forever. He is now free forever with His heavenly Father. The One who knows Him best is The One who loves him most. There is nothing we could ever do or say that could change our Heavenly Father’s great love for us.

“I am absolutely convinced that nothing— living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable— absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:38-39 MSG

Donations are greatly appreciated through GoFundMe to support The Wards during this time https://gofund.me/cffcca1f