Benjamin Axel Harvey

Benjamin Axel Harvey, age 43, of Kansas City, MO, passed away at the home of his parents on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was the second son of Mark and Teresa Harvey, born on January 30, 1982, in Lincoln, NE.

Ben never married or had children but lived his best life in the house he bought in 2009, which he shared with his sweetheart, Ashley Hornberger, and his precious cats, Mac and Charlie.

Ben worked for Cintas, enjoying the company of colleagues he truly appreciated. However, his alter ego—his true passion—was in music. He was an active part of the metal community as a bassist for the band Gourmand and the sixth member of Unmerciful, touring with the band in 2017 and 2018. In addition to performing, Ben was a successful music recorder and producer, having built his own recording studio in his basement. He worked with many bands across the nation and was well on his way to making music production his full-time career. His bandmates and the entire metal community were his second family, and he loved them dearly.

Ben was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and NFL enthusiast, sharing game updates and news with his dad. He was also a passionate foodie who loved to cook and would often send pictures of his creations to his mom.

Ben was accepting of all, never meeting a person he didn’t consider a friend. He often opened his home to traveling bands, offering any help he could on their journeys. An eternal optimist, he was always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a joke. Ben was a bright light in an often dark world, and it will be darker without him.

Ben is survived by his parents, Mark and Teresa Harvey of Smithville, MO; his older brother, Cameron Harvey, who was always there for him; sister-in-law, Stephanie; niece, Natalie; and nephews, Mitchell, Bryce, and Isaac, all of Kansas City, MO. He also leaves behind multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins who were all dear to him.

In keeping with Ben’s spirit, there are no plans for a traditional service or interment—he wouldn’t have wanted that. Instead, his friends and family will host a celebration of his life (date and time TBD), where all who knew and loved him will be welcome to share their memories.

Farewell, Benjamin—our “Benjam Boy.” We will see you again.