A Celebration of Life for Benjamin J. ‘BJ’ Manspeaker, 44, Lawrence, will be at 2:00 pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, with Chad Manspeaker officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Hope, Kan. Ben passed away Monday, July 15, 2019, at his home.
He was born November 5, 1974, in Topeka, the son of Robert J. and Mary Karla Penney Manspeaker. He graduated from Hope High School and later attended Kansas State University. Ben was a chef and had worked at KSU – Salina Campus and Hayes House in Council Grove. He also co-owned Sully & Hanks in Lawrence. In his spare time he enjoyed cooking, grilling, and music.
Survivors include his daughter, Sloane Manspeaker, of the home; his fiancé, Staci Church and her three children, Greyson Phillips, Jayden Phillips, and Rylan Phillips, all of the home; his parents, Bob & Karla Manspeaker, Hope; his maternal grandmother, Lola Ginther, Salina; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family will receive friends after the service. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Karla& Bob, I just heard. What a shock! You will be in our prayers and thoughts. No words can express our sympathy for you.
Stacy, I just heard about Ben today. I am sorry for your loss. Sending you all love.
Bob &Karla-
I remember BJ with much fondness from our years in Hope at the Methodist church. I am sorry for your great loss.
Dear Karla, Bob & Sloan-No words to express the sadness for your loss. I pray God hold you in his arms for comfort and healing. RIP BJ ♥️
Bob and Karla your in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Sad to hear about BJ’ passing. My deepest condolences for his family
Bob and Karla Herb and I are so sorry to hear about BJ. Our sympathy to you and family. Herb and Joyce warren
Ben I’m so happy I was privileged to have meet you. I’ll never forget the BBQ competition we entered together what a fun night we had. My prayers are with your family at this time. Love you man!
BJ is a Hometown Hero here in LFK. The Basil Leaf and Sully & Hanks set a new standard for culinary excellence. Hats off in respect for Ben Manspeaker.
My Condolences to the family, you’re in my prayers.
We’re so shocked and saddened to hear this. Sending much sympathy and thinking of you all.
Karla & Bob , So sorry to hear about BJ. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Gerald & Diana Dittman
Deepest sympathies for BJ’s passing. What a shock to learn. Praying for peace and healing in upcoming days for you all!!
My heart goes out to Ben’s family. He was a great guy and one of a kind.
So sorry for your loss..my deepest sympathy.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Bob and Karla. I can’t imagine. Keep the faith.
My deepest condolences for your loss, you’re all in my prayers.
I’m gonna miss you big guy you were a friend to so many people and there for me countless times.
I’m so Sorry Sloane!!! Big hugs your way. ? You have grown up so much since I have seen you. Your Dad was always so proud of you!!! Thinking of you…?
So very sorry to hear this Staci. Sending hugs and love to you and your family.
Staci, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Bob and Karla and Sloan,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Bob and Karla, We are praying that our Lord will give you comfort and strength.
Harvey and Connie Frigon
I am so sorry Staci. I know he was a good man and your soul mate.
Bob, Karla & Sloan
I know that there are no words that can take the hurt and emptiness you and your family are feeling. Know that Ross and myself are thinking of you guys. Hugs your way?
Bob, Carla & Sloan
I know that there are no words that can take the hurt and emptiness you and your family are feeling. Know that Ross and myself are thinking of you guys. Hugs your way?
You all are in our prayers. I can’t even imagine what you’re going thru. Sending love and light.
Staci, so sorry for your loss. Know that you and your extended family will be in my prayers.
Karla and family, please know my prayers of strength and comfort are sent. I can’t imagine the grief of your loss. Please take comfort in the prayers, love and support that are coming your way. Bless B.J. And his family.
So sorry for your loss! He was a good guy and I was glad to know him ! Prayers for your family
Oh no Staci so sad to hear ! Prayers always for you and your family for strength and peace love you miss you
Dear, Karla, Bob & Sloane
I can’t find the words to express my deepest sympathy I have for you right now. Please just know that I’m thinking of all of you and keeping you in my prayers. It will seem impossible to find the strength to get through this, but I hope you can find peace and strength in our Lord. God Bless.
Prayers with family on your loss,my sincere condolences
May your rest be peaceful Ben! God Bless! Prayers for all !
Peace Prayers go out to you & Family
Gary & Roxy Taylor
Karla and Bob, I am so incredibly sad and sorry for you both and your granddaughter. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers….Sue
Love and prayers for all of the family. So sorry for your loss.
Sloane, Karla, and Bob; all of us are deeply saddened at the loss of your father/son. BJ is fondly remembered as our ring bearer and for his name of spaghetti, blecka, blecka. To this day we still say we are having blecka blecka.
Oh my gosh! I am so sorry for your loss! Sending good thoughts your way. Hold your family tight!
There are no words to comfort you and the family but know we pray for strength to carry on and live the life Ben would have wanted and prayer to lift you up when the load is too heavy. All our love.
Staci and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. ❤️??