Benton Douglas Dempsey

Benton Douglas Dempsey, age 90, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 3, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio, Ben was the son of Benton Arthurs Dempsey and Mary Louise (Hubbell) Dempsey. He was also the brother of Mignon Dannon.

A lifelong resident of Columbus, Ben grew up in Bexley, where he formed many cherished friendships and fond memories that lasted a lifetime.

As a young boy, Ben began his journey in the Boy Scouts, proudly achieving the rank of Eagle Scout—an early sign of his lifelong dedication to service and community.

He graduated from Bexley High School in 1954, where he excelled in track and football, serving as co-captain of the football team. He also enjoyed participating in school theater productions, showcasing his creative side. Ben went on to attend Denison University, where he served as a trainer for the football team, continuing his deep love of sports.

Ben’s passion for horses began early through his close involvement with his grandfather’s horse farm. As a teenager, he became a sulky driver, racing family-bred Standardbred horses—a pursuit that remained close to his heart throughout his life. His relationships with both grandfathers were deeply close, influential and helped shape the man he became.

Professionally, Ben dedicated much of his life to the family-owned insurance agency, where he was known for his integrity, dedication, and genuine care for his clients. He built lasting relationships within the community and took great pride in helping families protect what mattered most to them.

In his adult years, Ben developed a deep love for bowling. He competed in leagues across Columbus, in tournaments throughout Ohio and the annual National Bowling Association tournament held across the US for 50 years. He achieved 3 sanctioned 300 perfect games—including one at the remarkable age of 82—and was the first to bowl a perfect game in the Columbus City Tournament. A proud member and Director of the Columbus Bowling Association, Ben was inducted into the Ohio Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1991. He especially loved teaching children and teens how to bowl, sharing not only his technique but his passion for the sport. At 90 years of age, Ben was still in a league and bowling one day a week!

Ben was a very devoted Ohio State Football fan. For over 40 years, he volunteered on the sidelines at Ohio Stadium during home games. After the field was renovated, he and his beloved wife Carolyn continued to attend every home game and one away game each season, enjoying tailgates and creating treasured memories with friends and family.

Ben was a proud and active member of several civic and fraternal organizations, including the Bexley Lions Club, where he was a past president, 32 Degree Master Mason- Scottish Rite- Masonic Capital City Lodge, Aladdin Shriners, The Fraternal Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and A SAR, Sons of the American Revolution. His involvement reflected his deep commitment to service, fellowship, and community.

Most importantly, Ben will be remembered as a kind, considerate, and deeply caring man. His quiet strength, generous heart, and thoughtful nature touched everyone who knew him. He was a loyal friend, a devoted family man, and a steady presence in the lives of those around him. Though he could be a little stubborn, it was always in the most principled and endearing way. His warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Ben’s greatest love and source of pride was his for family: his beloved wife of 46 years, Carolyn (Walls) Dempsey; his children, Scott Dempsey (Molly), Laura Maynard (Jarred), Todd, and bonus daughter Debbi; his 9 grandchildren, Brandon, Joshua, Kellie, Jordan, Ally, Amanda, Meghan, Jared, Jason, Nicholas, and Jadon; and his 6 great-grandchildren, Beckham, Noah, Maren, Julian, Lily, and Sophie. As well as his niece, Leigh (Sachs) Beal. All will miss him profoundly.

Ben was preceded in death by his infant son, Todd Benton, who passed away at just six months old—a loss that remained the deepest sorrow of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Todd’s memory may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospitals at https://lovetotherescue.org/, email address for notification is: carolyndempsey3985@gmail.com.

Visitation and Services

Visiting hours will be held at Newcomer Northeast Chapel, 3047 Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, OH 43231:

• Saturday, August 2: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

• Sunday, August 3: Visitation begins at 12:00 p.m., followed by a Service at 1:00 pm