Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Bennie Espy Obituary
Jul 12, 1943 - Jan 4, 2025
Columbus
Senator Ben E. Espy was born July 12, 1943, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Inez and Bennie Espy.
Soon after, the family moved to Sandusky with his two older sisters, Rozene Augustus and Elaine Johnson. Ben graduated from Sandusky High School in 1961, then pursued his education at The Ohio State University, earning a bachelor of arts in political science in 1965. It was there, where he met his wife of 54 years, Kathy Duffy. He then attended Howard University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor in 1968.
They were blessed with four daughters, Elizabeth, Amy, Laura and Lynnette. Ben transitioned Saturday, January 4, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, and his beloved wife, Kathy.
He leaves to mourn his passing his daughters, Elizabeth, Amy (David), Laura (Stephen), and Lynnette (Ko J); his 11 grandchildren, Nina, Lelia, Brooklynne, Kendall, Avery, Brynn, Jackson, Andrew, Ellis, Lydia, and Olivia; and extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2025, at First Church of God, 3480 Refugee Road 43232. Visit https://www.thechapelofpeace.com/ for the full obituary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bennie Espy
Sponsored by Marlan Gary Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace East.
Veronica McCants
January 14, 2025
Thinking of you and your family, wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your beloved father. I hope that your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
Gina Blair
January 13, 2025
I was impressed by Mr Espy's stature when he rose to meet me and shake my hand. I look back with fond memories of the small conversations we had around sports. He and Ms Kathy raised their daughters "right." They are and will be his legacy. A Beautiful family. A true gentle soul that will be missed. Prayers of comfort for the Espy family.
Francis Wes Alexander
January 13, 2025
Bennie was one of my first childhood and Southside heroes. The first football game I attended featured Bennie as the star halfback for the Sandusky Blue Streaks. Back then, the rumor was that the opposing team was bent on hurting Bennie. "They better not hurt "Little Bennie" I heard the older girls saying. Four years later, I was visiting my aunt in Pittsburgh and watched wide-eyed as Bennie ran the football in the college All Star game against the New York Giants. "I know him!" I had shouted. Years later I saw that he was a state Senator. Condolences, prayers, and love to the family.
Robin Montgomery
January 11, 2025
My Condolences To The FamilySenator / Attorney Ben Espy was a Good Man. He was kind and willing to assist. My Dad was acquainted with Him as a Mailman downtown Columbus, Ohio when I was a teen, I had gotten into some trouble and Attorney Espy represented Me never having that issue again. Thank You for Your services Rest In PowRa
Robert and Mattie Sparks
January 11, 2025
Offering condolences to the family. Bennie was a great role model and will be missed.
Mark and Eva Thurman
January 11, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the Espy family. May Christ Jesus grant you His peace and comfort.
Dr. Mark and Eva Thurman
Mary McElrath
January 10, 2025
Condolences to Bennie 's remaining family. My sister Frances and I grew up with "Lil Bennie" in Sandusky Ohio. He accomplished a lot. Mary C. Rice McElrath also class of 1961.
charlotte davis
January 10, 2025
To the family, so sorry to hear of Ben passing. Remember he is not dead, he is just asleep.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Bennie Espy's name
Memorial Events
for Bennie Espy
Funeral services provided by:
Marlan Gary Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace East5456 E. Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43232
How to support Bennie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bennie Espy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
