Benjamin Michael Minson, age 47, passed away October 31, 2023 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, KS. He was born to Gary and Joyce Minson on October 30, 1976 in Independence, MO. He grew up in northern Minnesota with his parents and siblings.
Ben had a passion for US history and instilled this love in all his siblings, often challenging them with “Do you know what happened on this day…?” He loved and was proud of his faith, his family and his country. Rarely would he be seen without a bold red, white and blue statement in his attire. His interests also included puzzles, trivia, old westerns, travel and all things Man in Black. Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Johnny Cash and John Waynewere just a handful of hero’s Ben revered. He was an avid reader with a tendency towards biographies and of course history. You could often find him at the Eisenhower museum enjoying the most recent display or giving guided tours to visiting family and friends. It is the firm and uncontested opinion of his family, that while the grief is currently all consuming, Ben was ours, making us the lucky ones. Ben was known around the Abilene community as the man with the gentle smile. Ben worked and was a part of the Abilene Country Mart family for 16+ years. He loved being at work and socializing with everyone that he met. So much so, that no one was a stranger to him. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, the Eisenhower Foundation and the Reagan Ranch Center.
Ben is survived by his parents Gary and Joyce of Abilene, along with a multitude of siblings: Mia (Scott) Thompson of Hesperus, CO; Luke (LeeEllen) Minson of Shepherd, MT; Micah (Grace) Minson of Liberty, MO; Caleb Minson of Billings, MT; Elisabeth (Connor) Kijowski of Salt Lake City, UT; Andrew Minson of Omaha, NE; Jacob Minson of Abilene and 9 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Hannah and Lisa.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 2nd from 5:00– 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Joseph Barlau officiating. Both to take place at Faith Lutheran Church, 1600 N Buckeye Ave Abilene, KS. Burial will be at the Hoisington City Cemetery, Hoisington, KS following the service for immediate family. Memorials can be made to the Eisenhower Foundation, The Reagan Ranch, or to the Faith Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.