Search by Name

Search by Name

Benjamin Smith Obituary

REMEMBRANCE Sgt. Benjamin Kent Smith CARTERVILLE, IL. - Sergeant Benjamin Kent (Mudcat) Smith, age 24, of Carterville, died Wednesday, September 22 , 2004, killed in action in the Al-Anbar Province of Iraq. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 1, 2004 at Riggin-Pillatsch Funeral Home in Carterville with Minister Scott Cody and Rev. Charles Epperly officiating. Burial will be held in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville, where he will be accorded full military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps. Friends may call Thursday after 5:00 p.m., at the fun eral home in Carterville. A memorial fund has been set up at Old National Bank in Carterville in memory of Sgt. Benjamin Smith. Contributions will be collected at the funeral home or can be sent to Old National Bank, P.O. Box 280, Carterville, IL 62918. He was born on June 7, 1980 in DuQuoin, IL to James D. and Kimberlee S. (Cowan) Smith. He is survived by his parents Jim and Kim Smith of Carterville; sister and brother-in-law, Jamie and Josh Qualls of Carterville; brother, Jacob Smith of Carterville; grandparents, David (Bones) and Mary Smith of Carterville, Helen Sue Cowan of Carterville, Robert (Cusser) and Louise Cowan of Cambria; fiancee, Kerri Ann Blum of Ontario, CA; three nieces and a nephew, Kaitlin, Bethany, Caleb, and Kara; aunts and uncles, Scott and Judy Houston of Carterville, Jeff and Diane Eaton of Romeoville, Randy and Patricia Church of Highland, Anita Cowan of Carterville, Bob and Kristine Adams of Herrin, Yevette Johnson of Cambria, Sherra and Dan English of Carterville, Nancy and Do nald Howell of Cambria, Carolyn and Tim Hess of Blairsville, Jeff and Erica Dailey of Carterville, Teresa Charles of Cambria, John Caudill of Carterville, Lewis Skelton of Cambria, Melissa and Dave Draper of Cambria; cousins, Robert Houston, Andrew Houston, Rebecca Green, Sgt. Michael Eaton U.S.A.F., Clifford Eaton, Raney Church, Suzanne Drake, Danielle Cowan, Robert Cowan, Phillip Cowan, Erin Admas, Keely Adams, and Tabatha Adams as well as several other cousins; his godfather, Kent (Toby) Tyler; his godda ughter, Tori Jarvis; many other loving aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by eight great grandparents and his uncle Richard Cowan. Ben joined the Marines on June 8, 1999 and was stationed in 29 Palms, CA at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center as a Tank Commander for 3rd Platoon. He was on his 2nd tour of duty in Iraq, deployed on February 29, 2004 with the 7th Marines 1st Tank Battalion, Charlie Company. He was expected to return home on October 10, 2004. He was a 1999 graduate of Cartervill e High School. He participated and lettered in Track and Football for four years. He was on the 1996 Carterville High School State Football Class 3 A championship team. Ben was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to go hunting, fishing, and going to Disneyland with his fiancee Kerri. He enjoyed playing pool, going to rodeos, camping, and listening to country music. His greatest joy was coming home to spend time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all that loved and knew him.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Bulletin on Sep. 30, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Smith

Not sure what to say?





Tracy Anne Jule

May 21, 2024

I will never forget you. Love, Tracy

A grateful citizen

June 3, 2016

I just saw a gray van on the 60 freeway that listed Sgt. Smith's name. I'm always compelled to look up our service men's and women's names when I see a memorial on a vehicle. While I did not know this young man, nor his family, I just want to sincerely thank you for his service and the sacrifice you as his family and he made for our country.

Pam Martin

November 7, 2013

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Paul Webb

June 3, 2012

Every day I think about how much I think about how a friend sgt smith was to me and how he helped me when I first got into the marines he has always been there for me. When it happen i took his passing hard but I think about the good and crazy times we had that puts a smile on my face. To the family he was a hell of a good marine and he was a great friend and teacher I will always remember the days working with him in twenyninepalms California on the tank ramp. I miss you smitty

Peggy Childers

September 22, 2011

To the family and friends of Sgt. Benjamin K. Smith:
Please accept my remembrance of Benjamin on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

September 22, 2010

To the family and friends of Sgt. Benjamin K. Smith:
Remembering Benjamin on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Tom Wagner

May 4, 2010

Always with me my friend............miss the talks and the advice.
Gone Never Forgotten

SSgt Tom Wagner USMC

Kerri Blum

March 19, 2010

My dearest Ben,
As I sit here in Iraq, not far from where you were, I now know what it truly feels like to WANT to be here. I have always been proud of you and always will, but now I have a better understanding of the why. I have had too much loss in my life, but rejoice in knowing that you were there with the Lord waiting for Avery when I had to let her go. I love you, Ben. Always and Forever XOXO

Tom Wagner

December 28, 2009

To my Tank Commander and friend,
It has been many years brother. I am ordering my 2nd memorial bracelet tonight, as the last one wore out. I have had to add to my memorial tattoo over the years too. We keep going over there, and well, those guys, you help them out now as you did me when I was a boot back then. The bumper sticker your mom gave me was on my truck I totaled last year, and I need to find a place here that makes them so I can get one for my car. Just wanted to touch base again and tell you the next time I have to go to Indiana to visit inlaws, to me it's a side trip to see you in Illinois.

SSgt Tom Wagner USMC

Peggy Childers

September 22, 2009

To the family of Sgt. Benjamin K. Smith:
Benjamin gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Kenna Larson

September 10, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642

March 3, 2009

Smitty,

There are no words that could ever describe how you have touched my soul. I will never forget that day. I will never forget any of the days. Your the reason i will never let another go in my place brother.

Semper Fidelius

Safely Home

Michael Iezzi

September 22, 2008

Benjamin,
Thinking and praying for you on the 4th anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.

In Memory of Benjamin ~ (Debra Estep)

September 22, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Benjamin, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Pastor Frank Noyes

September 16, 2008

Dear family of Sgt. Benjamin K. Smith,

We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.


Very Sincerely

Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)

KYLE doyle

June 10, 2008

MUCH RESPECT GOES TO YOU..I AM SAD FOR THE LOSS BUT THANKFUL SUCH OF A PERSON EVER LIVED...JUST READING ABOUT THE FALLEN BRING A QUICK TEAR TO MY EYE, AS I WILL TRY AND FILL HIS BOOTS. AND HOPE TO BE HALF THE MAN HE WAS!

May 12, 2008

REST IN PEACE my freind.We have many of memories of the good ol days. You ride with me everywhere i go. to you and all the brothers of ths United States Marine Corp. i say SEMPER FI....

April 19, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Smith!

Lisa Wininger

March 15, 2008

You will always be remembered!!!

Marie Sanders

January 23, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Sgt Benjamin K. Smith. We share in your grief as we lost our beloved hero, Sgt Christopher Sanders, Jan 9, 2008. Our Heroes will never be forgotten and greatly missed. Kelly and Marie Sanders

Rest In Peace

Michael iezzi

January 23, 2008

Father we entrust our brother Benjamin to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Benjamin in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

Henryk Zaleski

January 23, 2008

Rest in peace Marine, you are paid in full.

Valorie

January 22, 2008

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

Roy Frank

November 11, 2007

Ben, you are truely a hero of Carterville. I remember you wanting to be a Marine when still in CCHS and spoke of it often. You have given honor to yourself and your family. We of Carterville who knew you are proud of you.
Skip F. Carterville

Kristi A

September 18, 2007

My love and prayers are still with you Jim, Kim, Jacob, Jamie, and Kerri.

August 13, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend (KIA on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

July 12, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Smith and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Aunt of a Marine

Linda Flannery

June 7, 2007

Remembering one of America's heros.
To the family of this brave young Marine, may time heal your wounds. Take comfort in knowing that all of America shares in your sorrow and in your pride.
Rest in Peace Benjamin. My flag flies in your honor.

Brian Wells

February 2, 2007

To the Smith Family
My name is Sgt Wells I served with Benjamin at 1st Tank Bn. We deployed together to Iraq in 2004. My deepest apoligys to your family. Sgt Smith will always remain an insperation to me. I will never forget him. Semper Fidelis.

Paul Smith

October 12, 2006

Unfortunately, I did not know your son, but my own son's name is Benjamin Smith, and I hope he can aspire to the dedication and commitment to service that your son did. I can not imagine the depth of your loss. The reason I am writing is the description of your son as "goofy", which is exactly the way my son is (of course, he's 8 and all boys are, but I hope he never looses that). Your son's smile is evidence that it never will.
Peace to you.

Garnet Jenkins

September 22, 2006

Paying tribute to this Fine Young Marine, Sgt. Benjamin K. Smith, on the 2nd anniversary of the day he gave his life for our country, with a Great Amount of Thanks for his courage, service and dedication to our Country and for Freedom.

May Benjamin rest, in the Mighty Hands of God and know that he Truly is an American Hero.

May God's Loving Grace and Comfort continue to be with the Smith family.

Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.



"Some people come into our lives and stay for a short while, others leave footprints on our hearts that will last forever." ~Author Unknown~



May the memories of your loved one live in your heart always.

You Are Not Forgotten Sgt. Smith.

Chad S

June 11, 2006

Sgt Smith a true american hero gave his all for the country he loved.

Thank u sgt Smith u will not be forgotten

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

May 3, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Smith family in the loss of Benjamin. I did not know Benjamin, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Benjamin it has been 19 months since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Larry Corley & Family

November 11, 2005

We will always hold your memory in our hearts Ben...

HM3 Steen

October 28, 2005

GREAT HUMAN BEING

Cynthia Smith

August 9, 2005

My heart-felt prayers are extended to the Smith family in their rememberance of their brave heroric son. May God bless all that read these words.

Carolyn Evans

July 19, 2005

I remember in 1991 that America was on their knees in prayer in behalf of the American soldier until their soldier came home. Some of us are still waiting to see our soldier come home. We can only go to them now and one day we will. You will never be just another name on the wall. God Bless America.

Cate H.

July 6, 2005

Ben was a great friend. I love the Smith family and I have my whole life.

Will Nance

May 30, 2005

Today, (Memorial Day) I will remember Sgt. Smith.

Sarah Wagler

February 23, 2005

May God Bless you and your family, thank you for the sacrifice that Sgt. Smith gave, it does not go un-notice,his service and bravery is greatly appreciated by me and my family. a Marine Mom

Shirley

February 16, 2005

God bless our military heroes.

Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results

Make a Donation
in Benjamin Smith's name

Memorial Events
for Benjamin Smith

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Benjamin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Benjamin Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more