Birth date: Jun 16, 1978 Death date: Feb 20, 2014
Benjamin Ray Bish, age 35, a resident of Americus, Kansas and formerly of Longton, Kansas died Thursday, February 20, 2014. He was the miracle baby and most precious gift from God, born on June 16, 1978 in Independence, Kansas to Read Obituary
Darrel Bish and family,
I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Ben, but I know his Dad Darrel. I was saddened to hear of the loss of your son and loved one. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Darrel hope to see you at Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast in Sedan sometime. We lifted you and your family up in prayer this last Tuesday and will continue to do so. Blessings from John Germann and family of Sedan
Our hearts will forever be broken.
Darrel & Irma, I'm so sorry to hear about Ben's passing. He truly was an awesome individual! Many memories of him growing up alongside of my two sons, Jeff and Jamie, during our stay in Independence, KS at the First Assembly of God. Irma, you were always such an inspiration in God's service and Women's aglow. Our prayers are going up for you and your family during this season of loss. Blessings, Patti Ann (Nichols) Thompson.
Im sorry to hear about ben. Even though I havent seen him since Jr high. He was a great friend and always happy. May god be with his family and friends through this hard time.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Ben's family and friends during this most difficult time. It's with fond memories that I think back and remember Ben and his classmates in my 5th grade classroom and watching them grow and graduate from EV. Ben was always smiling and a friend to everyone. My prayers are with all of you that God may comfort and guide you.
Ruth Ann and I will never forget our time in the "Valley of the Lion." The young people were special and the faculty and staff always devoted their very best on behalf of the students. I must confess that my favorite time was when I had the privilege to coach those who choose to play basketball. "Benny the Bish" was such a special young guy. His smile was infectious and he always believed that we could get to the top of the mountain. Benny ran downhill to the offensive end as fast as any young Lion that I coached. He also thought that any shot he attempted should result in a basket. His sophomore year was difficult, but his junior and senior seasons he took more ownership and responsibility. He was a terrific teammate and mentor to our young guys. He achieved the 1000 point scoring mark, but more importantly he was a mature reflection of a wonderful family. Benny once told me to "Let go and let God." And so, now we must honor Benny's request and give this tragic loss to our Heavenly Father. For our friend, Ben is gone but never forgotten.
Our love and prayers go out to Kathleen and their children, Darrel and Irma and Ben's entire family.
Ruth Ann and Bin Graefe
As a classmate of Ben, I have many fun memories of Ben growing up. Even when all the girls were forced to build our homecoming float by ourselves and with Irma's help while Ben led the guys in hours of basketball in his barn, or when we had to set up prom around him shooting baskets and cracking jokes about us, we couldn't stay mad at him for long- he brought too much fun to our school days. He was our entertaining comedian, inspiring athlete, smooth talker ( still appreciate all the assignments we got out of by him striking up stories with Mr. Fielder or getting Ms.Currier flustered with his jokes and incomplete sentences), sound effects artist, jingle and one- liner writer, singer, and most importantly, our good friend.
Although, my favorite memories of Ben are as adults after getting married and having children of our own. When he came to visit Kyler or work on our houses these last few years, I enjoyed how has his storytelling became more refined and full of wisdom and maturity. The majority of his stories were about his kids and wife, always positive, always proud. It was obvious that his world revolved around his beloved family. He shared with us how Kathleen is the mother and wife of the century and that his kids are the best thing he has ever accomplished. A very happy man. At the end of the work day, he refused to take our money for his labor, but was insistent to settle for a shared meal, watching some basketball, and Kyler's promise to visit his house next. We are most grateful to have had such a devoted and giving friend.
He will be missed, but never forgotten.
