Benjamin Franklin Butzbaugh II

June 12, 1944 – December 17, 2024

Benjamin Franklin Butzbaugh II, age 80, of Lake Mary, Florida, passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Lucy Currie Moore and Elden W. Butzbaugh, Ben is survived by his wife, Betsy, and his loyal canine companion, Riley.

A Florida Celebration of Life will be held after the holidays, while a Michigan graveside service with friends and family will be conducted in the summer, where Ben will be laid to rest next to his parents.

Ben was a proud graduate of Howe Military Academy, Olivet College, and the Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management at Notre Dame. He was a cherished member of the communities in St. Joseph, Michigan; Daphne, Alabama; and Longwood/Lake Mary, Florida.

Ben's professional journey was as diverse as it was impactful. He served as a Lakeshore Middle School Teacher, a Political Representative for the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce, and as a St. Joseph City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem. In Alabama, Ben was a TASSRO and NASSRO trained active shooter responder and served as a School Resource Officer at Bayside Academy, safeguarding the campus, school children, and staff. In Florida, he contributed as a board member of his community Homeowners Association.

Known for his lifelong friendships, love of college football (especially the University of Michigan), inquisitive mind, and wonderful storytelling, Ben left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Benjamin is preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and Elden, and his brothers, Elden and Alfred.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Ben's honor to the Kiwanis Club of Central Florida, the Seminole County, the Daphne, AL Animal Shelter, or the Rotary Club of St. Joseph, MI.