Benjamin Tomas Michel

Ben was born on October 19, 2004, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Jan and Meredith Michel (Reed).

From the very beginning, he brought laughter, creativity, and a fiercely loving spirit into the lives of everyone around him. Ben graduated from Oak Park High School in 2023. He had a deep love for video games and dreamed of creating games of his own someday. To Ben, gaming was more than entertainment — it was a way to connect people and bring them together. He also had an incredible love for music, with an eclectic taste that he proudly shared with his mom.

Art was a huge part of Ben’s life. Sketchbooks filled with drawings, characters, and stories could always be found around him. He loved creating worlds and giving his characters backstories for the future games he hoped to design one day.

More than anything, Ben loved his family and friends. He was a fiercely protective brother and cousin, always looking out for the people he loved no matter the situation or who stood in the way. When surrounded by his cousins, Ben was happiest, making everyone laugh, pulling harmless pranks, and filling the room with humor. Those closest to him knew that Ben was often funniest when he was not even trying.

Ben is survived by his loving mother, Meredith Michel; his sister, McKenzie Michel; his GG, Yvonne Saperston; his Nana, Becky Reed; his Bubi, Pavlina O’Toole; and his Grandpa, Mike O’Toole. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Michelle and Tim Harman, Joseph and Erin Reed, Martina and Andy Augustyn, Jakub Michel, Abbie and Sean Higbee, Kevin O’Toole, Grant and Katerina Jenkins; along with many beloved cousins including Katlyn Harman, Rocco DelPerico, Madison Reed, Ethan Harman, Ivy DelPerico, Christian Reed, Maddie Higbee, Matt Augustyn, Carson Higbee, Kyle, David, and Bri Jenkins.

Ben was preceded in death by his father, Jan Michel, and his Papa, Larry Reed. His family finds comfort in knowing that the two most influential and important men in his life are now with him.

A service and celebration of Benjamin’s life will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Maywood Community Church, 11201 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66109. The family would be honored to have your presence as they celebrate Ben’s life and share memories together.

Ben’s laughter, creativity, and love for the people around him will never be forgotten.