Benjamin Lee Kellerman

Benjamin Lee Kellerman, age 30, peacefully left us surrounded by his family on August 25, 2019, at Burlington, Kansas.

He was born on May 21, 1989, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Terry and Janet (Barnhart) Kellerman.

Ben faced many challenges in life as he was one of God’s Special Children. Throughout his life Ben was lovingly cared for by his parents and Dave and Deb Panell.

Ben attended Lakemary Center School for special needs children in Paola, Kansas, until he was 21 years old. While attending Lakemary Ben lived with Dave and Deb for a number of years before moving into the North Pointe Nursing Center, also in Paola, where he lived for six years. In an effort to get Ben closer to his family he was able to spend the last three months of his life at the Life Care Center in Burlington, Kansas.

Ben enjoyed hymn books, singing, clapping games, playing ball, keys, and spending time with Grandpa and Grandma Barnhart. Many lives were touched as Ben was cared for throughout the years.

Ben’s smiles and sweet personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He will always be remembered as a loving, happy son and brother. Though he struggled from cerebral palsy, Ben accomplished many things on his own after physical therapy.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth and Mary Alberta Kellerman; Roy and Ola Barnhart; cousin, Dustin Kellerman; cousin, Justin Barnhart; and another stillborn cousin.

Ben is survived by his parents, Terry and Janet Kellerman; sister, Tara Heck and husband, Nathan; brother, Austin Kellerman and wife, Annie; two nephews, Trevon Heck and Brandon Heck; two nieces, Allison Kellerman and Serena Heck; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 29, 2019, at the Old German Baptist Church, 26038 NW Chase Road, Westphalia, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Bethel Cemetery, Westphalia, Kansas. The family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday evening at the church.