Benjamin Hanish

LAKE WALES, FL -- Benjamin "Ben" H. Hanish, 75, of Lake Wales, Florida, formerly of Wayne Lakes, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and daughters, on Monday, January 16, 2023, in Greenville, Ohio after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born on July 14, 1947, in Richmond, Indiana, to the late Harold Showalter and Permilla (Pheanis) Hanish.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his identical twin brother Andrew Hanish and younger brother Joe Hanish.

After high school, Ben enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for three years aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise during the Vietnam War. After he was honorably discharged, he became a Deputy with the Darke County Sheriff's Department. His ambition then led him to a long career at BASF (formerly Inmont) and while there he moved up the ranks from Chemist to become the Environmental Safety Manager. He retired in 2005 after 30 years. Ben was able to enjoy 17+ years of retirement, mostly in Florida, with the love of his life, Claudia. Together, they enjoyed dancing, karaoke, entertaining, spending time with friends and family, and "living the good life" in the sunshine.

Throughout his life, Ben enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, countless sports, and was a voracious reader. Because of these hobbies, most would describe Ben as a man's man, but to those who truly knew him that was only half of the story. Ben found himself surrounded by women at home: his wife, Claudia, and two daughters, Laurie and Leslie. Ben adored his entire family and was never afraid to speak or show his love openly and without reservation. Every hello, goodbye, good morning and goodnight included a warm hug and a kiss. He was a patient, kind, loving and gentle man.

Ben is survived by his wife of 55 years, Claudia (Schinke) Hanish, whom he married on September 2, 1967; his daughters, Laurie (Keith) Westheimer of Dayton, Ohio, and Leslie (Timothy) Gunckel of Greenville; his grandchildren, Jack Smalley, David Smalley, Kyli (Hazen) Ripple, and Cody Gunckel; his great grandchildren, Bella and Grayson Ripple; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

A memorial service, with full military honors provided by the Greenville Honor Guard, will be held for Ben at 12 noon on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Tribute Funeral Home, Greenville campus, with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fort Jefferson, Ohio.

Guests may visit with Ben's family on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the memorial service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.