Benjamin J. Grant, 58, of South Whitley, died peacefully in the company of family a 5 p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2023, at his home.

Born on August 9, 1964, in Huntington, Indiana, he was a son of the late Franklin D. and Ruth A. (Geist) Grant. Growing up in South Whitley, he completed South Whitley Elementary School and graduated from Whitko High School in 1984.

On December 27, 1988, he married Melisa L. Fugate. They have always made their home in the South Whitley area.

For 30 years, he worked as a custom applicator operator for Ag Plus, South Whitley.

Well-known in the area, he liked to help others. Enjoying the simple things in life, he found solace in mowing grass and was known to spend 50-hour weeks mowing. He often mowed his neighbor's county lawns as well as other family members. Spending time with family, especially the grandkids, was always a delight. Other times he could be found tinkering in the garage, working on an old tractor or a mower.

He is survived by his wife, Melisa; two sons, Seth L. (Jewels Cordero) of Fort Wayne and Cord J. (Veronica) Grant of Columbia City; three grandkids; a sister, Clara (Steve) Shearer of Columbia City; and two brothers, Samuel F. Grant of South Whitley, and Matthew J. Grant of Albion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rachel Grant.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, April 22nd, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.  A graveside service will follow at the South Whitley Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

Memorials in Ben's honor are to his wife Melisa.