Benjamin Brent – WHIZ – Fox 5 / Marquee Broadcasting

Benjamin J. Brent, 91, of Zanesville, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on May 16, 2024 at approximately 9:45 a.m. on his way to a doctor’s appointment with his wife by his side. Ben was born on June 29, 1932, to the late Douglas and Lucille (Stevens) Brent in Richmond, Indiana.

In 1936, the Brents returned to Zanesville, Ohio.

At a young age, Ben developed a love for God, his fellow man and life; joined the Church of God and Saints of Christ. The church was where he learned that God was the center of his being.

Ben understood the importance of a good education to overcome in life and graduated with the class of 1950 from Lash High School in Zanesville. In 1954 he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served two years as a conscientious objector and was assigned to the medical dispensary group.

Ben returned to Zanesville and had a strong desire to go to college, however, he had no money. His brother Jehu lived in Washington, DC and opened his arms of love to allow Ben to attend Howard University for three years. Difficult life circumstances did not allow him to graduate, however, he returned to Ohio and attended Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Ben worked for the State of Ohio in the Aerial Engineering Department as a photogrammetrist, studying and developing satellite maps for 31 years.

His first love was for God and he was very active in the Church of God and Saints of Christ. He was a member of the Department of Religious Education and was instrumental in the development of religious educational materials. He also served on the International and Foreign Mission Board and the Board of General Tabernacle Administrators. He was a staunch supporter of the Church and the People of God.

Ben had a social side and enjoyed being a member of the Zanesville Esquire Club for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge 30 when it was active in Zanesville and was on the founding board for the establishment of the Carey Street Day Care Center.

In 1983, Ben married Toni Sowers and they truly loved and enjoyed life together for over 40 years.

Ben’s love of life will be remembered by many who knew him. A few nights before he died he said he was blessed with 3 women in his life, I said 3??? He said – Toni – Anna – China. We all laughed. He was truly a Hoot.

He leaves behind his wife, Toni Sowers Brent; two sisters – Elizabeth Patterson, Hyattsville, MD and Pamela Middleton, Richmond, VA; Sisters-in-law, Lorraine Brent, Laurel, MD and Ella Brent of Maryland; Brother and sister-in-law Justine and Beverly Sowers, Zanesville, OH and sons of God – Jonathan Smith, Zanesville, OH; Brent Middleton, Richmond, VA. He also leaves behind two other people who lived with and watched over him – great niece, Ariannna Sowers and China Brent, China is his most beloved dog; as well as several other nieces, nephews, friends and family.

Preceding him in death – his parents; two sisters – Martha Brent, Naomi Singer; six brothers, Paul, Jehu, Ezra, Daniel, Raymond and William.

Because of Ben’s love for youth development, I ask that flowers be omitted and a donation be made to the Religious Education Department of the Church of God and Saints in Christ in his memory. Donations can be made online at: Website Church – cogasoc.org – click on the eGiving tab – click on 1 time give – choose DRE and in the memo field enter “Scholarship/Brent – ​​​​complete payment.

You may call on the family on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church of God and Saints, 516 Cliffwood Avenue, Zanesville, OH. Burial will follow the burial services in Woodlawn Cemetery.

BURRELL FUNERAL SERVICES is serving the family.