Benjamin R. Christen's Obituary
CHRISTEN, Benjamin R., age 42, of Wilmington, Ohio, formerly of Blanchester, Ohio and Aiken & Lexington, South Carolina, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2020.
Ben graduated from Blanchester High School in 1997, where he was a proud member of the award-winning marching band. He grew up working with his dad in the family business, Ran-Dell Nursery & Landscaping, where he learned his exceptional work ethic as well as his knowledge of plants & botany. He was currently employed at Bright Farms in Wilmington, a huge hydroponic greenhouse operation, offering Ben another environment to be involved in nature, growing and providing sustainable food.
A loyal and compassionate friend to others, kind-hearted, loving, and an all-around cool guy to be around, Ben was passionate about music and art. What he loved most was spending time with his son, Gabe, whether they were playing video games, fishing, hiking, camping, boating, snowboarding, traveling or just spending time together. Gabe was his greatest joy. Ben visited Florida at every opportunity, creating lasting family memories of swimming with manatees, visiting museums, deep sea fishing, zip-lining, jet skiing, parasailing, and walking on the beach. Ben was well read, loved learning, and enjoyed stimulating conversations. Those almost daily conversations will be sorely missed by Ellen & Gabe. While in South Carolina, Ben received Christ back into his life at Calvary Chapel Church, which gives the family much peace knowing he is in the safe hands of God.
He was preceded in death by his father Randall Christen. He is survived by his son Gabriel “Gabe” Christen; his mother Ellen Christen; one brother Brett and sister-in-law Marteena Christen; aunt Susan and uncle Pat McGeehan; niece Holly Lykins Jewell; nephews Jerry Thomas “J.T.” Lykins and Daniel “Cody" Dillinger; and cousins Megan McGeehan and Brandy Nicole Bowen.
Private family services will be held at a clearing in the woods at one of Ben’s favorites locations. The service will be recorded for online playback following the service. If you wish to view the stream, you are invited to send your email address to [email protected] to be sent a link for viewing. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to share a memory or story you had with Ben on the tribute wall of Ben’s obituary page at www.stubbsconner.com.
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