Benjamin Dulaney

Benjamin Gordon Dulaney, 46, passed unexpectedly from this life “ready to see Jesus” (his last words) on October 19, 2025, at Berger Hospital in Circleville, OH, due to cancer complications. He is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Melissa Olson Dulaney, daughters Kirsten and Katelyn Dulaney; sisters Ruth (Kent) Christensen, Appleton, Wisconsin, and Crickett (Milan) Milosevic, Akron OH; In-laws, Dr. Larry and Bonnie Olson of Circleville, brother in-law Rev. Jeremy (Stephanie) Olson, Christiansburg, OH, and nieces and nephews Alexandria and Micheala Milosevic; Amie, Hannah, and Kyle Christensen; Brady and Rylee Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Mary Dulaney, earlier this year.

Ben was born in Akron, Ohio, on July 18, 1979, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1998, where he was a varsity letterman in football and weightlifting. He came to Circleville Ohio, to attend and graduate from Circleville Bible College (now Ohio Christian University) in 2003, where he was a Youth Ministries major and a member of the Crusaders baseball team where he played catcher and outfield. Ben was a fun-loving, energetic and faithful friend to his teammates and fellow students. It was in that context that he met his future wife, Melissa, (baseball coach’s daughter) where she was the baseball team’s statistician. They were married on June 28, 2003.

As a family, they attended Hallsville Community Church. Ben was employed by the State of Ohio as a storekeeper at the Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility and found fulfillment in working with and training some of the youth at that facility. Prior to that, he worked as a woodwork finishing expert for local contractor, Amamas, Inc.

Ben was a Buckeye fan and a die-hard Cleveland Browns and Guardians fan. He especially loved to do things with his family, usually doing something fun together on most Saturdays, with many trips to King’s Island, the zoo, attending Clippers baseball (Dime-a-Dog Nights) and Blue Jackets games. He was always creative on his family’s birthdays, often creating variations on “pin-the-tail” games with creative prizes that he purchased. Everyone got a prize in his games! He enjoyed grilling and gardening each year. He will be greatly missed by family, his church, co-workers and all he called friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hallsville Community Church Building Fund. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Hallsville Community Church. Visitation will be on Monday from 4-8 at the church. Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.