Ben lived most of his life in South Bend, IN. Ben was an extremely bright child who loved to read.  He could ace a test without any effort.  Ben’s love for art lead him to take art classes at the Century Center, a participant in the Upward Bound Program at Notre Dame and remained an honor roll student throughout his high school years.  He loved and played football in junior high and high school.  His passion for music and years of drum lessons turned him into an exceptional drummer who could play any genre of music upon hearing a few times.  He played for his great-aunt who would dance and clap to the sound of Ben playing. After graduation from Riley High School, Ben attended Vincennes University. He decided he wanted to travel the world, so he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  After Basic Training he was stationed in San Diego, California.

Along with his parents, Ben is survived by his wife Michelle, son Weston (Jolene) of Lakeville, and daughters Miriam and Beniya both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, twins Brianna and Iyanna, granddaughter, Maya Swanson, brother Brian Swanson of South Bend, IN and sister Nicole (Tyrone) Owens of Mishawaka, paternal grandmother Geraldine Rily of South Bend, IN. Ben is also survived by Aunt Ramona , Uncle Shugg, nephew Dylan Swanson, great niece Ire Swanson, special uncles Divorne (Bun), James Swanson and special niece Baily Crumbley along with a host of close relatives and friends.

Ben was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Euless and Louise Mainer, paternal grandfather Ben Swanson Sr., Uncles John, Bernard, Bruce and Diane Swanson, a special great uncle and aunt David and Flora Alexander and nephew DeShawn D. Pfeifer Jr.

Special thanks to my fiancé, Lamar Williams, who has been a pillar of strength and support for our family. Thank you, Lamar!

Funeral services for Ben will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628. Friends may visit one hour prior to the services. Immediate burial will take place at Highland Cemetery in South Bend following the services.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

11/15/2024 djb