To the Baker and Parker families:

My heart is breaking for you.

I didn't know Ben very well personally, but from all of Jennifer's stories, I felt like I did. I've known Jennifer since she was a 6th grader in Gladeville with a broken leg from skating. I pushed her around for a few weeks, and we became close friends. We shared all of our quirks, dreams, and silly crushes. I never imagined I'd see my friend have to go through something like this. Ben was truly the love of her life. Every time I've seen her the last decade, her phone screen saver was a pic of her sweet hubby. They share a bond that can never be broken, and that many of us can only dream of having.

It's rare to hear about someone who loves Indiana Jones as much as I do, but Jennifer told me that Ben went to some Mayan ruins, in the sweltering humidity, dressed head to toe as the world's most famous fictional archaeologist (brown leather jacket and all). Now THAT'S a cool dude!

I wish there were more people like Ben in the world. He was one of a kind. I hope your families will find peace and comfort in togetherness. You're wonderful people.

I love you Jennifer and Lacy

Ben loved Movie Popcorn. We went to the movies together every Friday night. 25+ years of watching movies together, going on vacations, trips, us and our wives eating out together and hanging in some capacity for every holiday and birthday that we could... he will be missed. He was more than a friend, he has my best friend, my brother. There isn't anything that we wouldn't have done for each other. I love you, Ben. You will always be in my heart. Jennifer, Sue, Jerry, Katie, Libby and the rest of Ben's family and friends, I will always have you in my thoughts, prayers and heart. Ben was the best guy I knew and will be forever loved!