Benjamin Caleb Smith, 27, of W. Tierra Buena Lane, Glendale, AZ died on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 in Phoenix, AZ.
Born December 19, 1985 in Glendale, AZ, he was the son of Mark B. and Nancy (Bean) Smith.
Benjamin was employed in sales and had worked for Cabela’s. He was a member of the Calvary Community Church in Phoenix, AZ.
Ben enjoyed sports. He was a fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Cardinals. Ben also enjoyed hunting and camping. He spent many weekends hiking and camping with friends throughout Arizona.
He was diagnosed with an auto immune disease causing kidney failure. Following dialysis treatment, Ben was blessed with a kidney transplant in May 2010.
Ben is survived by his parents Mark and Nancy Smith of Glendale, AZ, formerly of Venango County, PA; his brother, Travis Smith of Phoenix, AZ; maternal grandparents, Dallas and Margaret Bean of Franklin, PA; paternal grandmother, Arlene Smith of Grove City, PA; and his aunts and uncles, Charlie Bean of Franklin, PA, Ted Bean of Franklin, PA, Sara Osinski of Fairview, PA, Gary Smith of Grove City, PA, and Neil Smith of Springfield, VA.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Roger Smith and paternal aunt, Lisa Smith Fox Ierino.
Friends will be received at the Christ United Methodist Church, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA on Friday, December 27, 2013 from 10 am – 12 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Christ United Methodist Church, following visitation, at 12:00 pm on Friday, December 27, 2013 with the Rev. Gary Smith and the Rev. Neil Smith, Benjamin’s uncles, co-officiating. The Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA is handling the arrangements.
Interment will take place in Rockland Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the National Foundation for Transplants, 5350 Poplar Ave., Ste. 430, Memphis, TN 38119 and/or Native American Youth Ministries, PO Box 12291, Glendale, AZ 85318.
To send online condolences, cards, flowers, or to obtain further information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.