Benjamin Michael Lamb, 51, of Columbia, IL. passed away on Friday, October 6^th, 2023 at Mercy South Hospital in Saint Louis, MO. “Ben”, son of William Bland Lamb, Sr. and Jeanette Ann (Fliehler) Jennings, was born on September 30^th, 1972 in St. Charles, IL. He was the fifth of his mother’s six children. He was raised in Batavia, IL and was a graduate of Batavia High School, Class of 1990. It was in high school that he met his wonderful wife, Carrie Beth (Lippman). Ben and Carrie were married on July 10, 1997 at Manchester United Methodist Church in Manchester, MO. They were together for 32 years and married for 26, up until the moment of his passing. They raised four children together; Justin Michael, Tyler Jacob, Madelyn Elliot, and Jonathan Stephen, and were blessed with four amazing grandchildren; Olivia Marie, Caleb Michael, Maisey Elizabeth, and Elliot Nadine. They also had aquired several “found” children over the years including Samantha Hamilton, Jacquelyn (Dimas) Lamb, Meghan (Hubble) Morelan, and Kyle and Kayne O’brien.

Ben joined the Sheet Metal Union right out of high school and after moving to Saint Louis in 1996, he joined the SMART Local 36 Union. He was a dedicated, hard worker. He always made sure his family was provided for. Always generous with his knowledge and skills, Ben was constantly willing to help. He regularly assisted his family, friends, and even friends of friends, with their furnaces, air conditioners, homes, or vehicles when they were in need. In the last six years, he was working in air testing and balancing and had quickly become proficient in his work.

Ben was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. Above all else, he always made sure his family was provided for, taken care of, and well loved. His proudest title was “Grandpa” and his grandchildren were the lights of his life. He enjoyed computers, video games, and Pokemon trading card games; hobbies he could share with his sons and grandson. He had a love for plants and gardening. Ben liked spending time riding his four wheelers, going to the apple orchards, taking trips to Rural King or going with his grandkids on “candy runs.” His children and grandchildren will always remember his love for a nap in his chair, a cold Coke, and a nice foot rub after a long day.

Ben is survived by his devoted wife, Carrie; his children Justin (Alexandra), Tyler (Jacquelyn), Madelyn (Alex Shine), and Jonathan “Jack”; his grandchildren Olivia, Caleb, and Maisey Lamb, and Elliot Shine; His mother Jeanette, stepfather Everad “Larry”, brother Robert “Bob”, and sister Barrieann; mother and father in law Cynthia and Elliot “Ernie” Lippman, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as so many friends that he loved like family. He is preceded in death by his father William Sr.; His brothers William Jr. and Bernard; His sister, Bonnie; and His brother in law, Patrick “Sean”.

Ben will be remembered for his gentle heart, his raw sense of humor, his full laugh, his generosity, his stubborness, and the love he showed to all his people.

A private memorial service is being planned by the family for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a GoFundMe that has been set up for Ben’s wife and youngest son to help them going forward.