Benjamin Jerome Henry, 44, of Fort Wayne, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Ben was born in Fort Wayne on October 24, 1980, and was the only son of Mayor Thomas C. and Cindy S. Henry (Kocks) both of whom preceded him in death.

An avid baseball fan, Ben rooted for the Chicago Cubs all his life, because in the home where he was raised, cheering for anyone else was a sin.

But his favorite thing to do was to love his children, Anastasia and Nikolas.

Ben's journey on this earth wasn't always easy, and despite his best efforts, he struggled to achieve many of his dreams. In those times, he was hardest on himself.

But Ben's life was filled with far more joys than sorrows. His years tending bar at the Green Frog yielded him countless friends and wonderful memories, and his dozens of cousins were more than just relatives, they were a constant source of love and laughter all his life.

Ben leaves behind his cherished children: daughter, Anastasia M. Henry and her unborn child, and his son, Nikolas J. Henry. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth A. Henry-Guevara and her daughters, Alexandria and Angelina; his maternal grandmother Marty Kocks-Hamrick; a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends – all of whom will miss his gravel-y voiced hellos, his bear hugs, and his big belly laughs.

In addition to his beloved parents, Ben was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jerome and Marganelle Henry; maternal grandfather, Clifford Kocks; his cousins, Paul Michael Navarro and Maria Henry; and his best friend, Travis Ballard.

In the loving memory and spirit of Ben, his family asks that you simply befriend someone who could use a little encouragement and support, please.

The Mass of Christian Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 1515 Barthold Street, Fort Wayne with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be Monday, June 30, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to Hamilton Park Little League, PO Box 8752, Fort Wayne, IN 46898 or Bishop Luers High School Wrestling Program 333 East Paulding Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46816

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