Benjamin Alan Knabe, 27, of Lee’s Summit, died November 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Kansas. The son of Rick and Jackie (Burkhart) Knabe was born September 30, 1997, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ben’s life was a canvas of colors. He graduated in 2016 from Lee’s Summit North High School where he was in marching band, choir and musical theatre and was editor of the Ink & Quill, the school’s literary magazine. After graduation, Ben worked in the service industry and lived for several years in Temecula, California. Ben had big ideas which were never fully realized due to mental health and addiction.

When he fought those challenges with all his might, Ben’s creativity shined through and those who loved him benefited from experiencing his many talents including piano, writing, music composition, singing, cooking and, most recently, sewing. But at all times, Ben struggled to find peace, love and acceptance.

Ben is fondly remembered for living loud, laughing hard and loving fully by his father, Rick Knabe, Lee’s Summit; mother, Jackie (Travis) Reno of Hermitage; sister, Abigail Knabe, Kirksville; maternal grandparents, Jeff and Sue Greenway, Jack and Joyce Burkhart all of Lee’s Summit, Herbert & LaDonna Reno, Winfield; step-siblings Brandon Reno and Renee (Chris) Brooks. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, and special friends whom he met on his journey and gave him love, help and friendship.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Richard Knabe, Rhoda Miller and Jennie Greenway, as well as his maternal great grandparents Audy and Katy Krider, Mamie Martin and Ray Burkhart and Walter & Ruth Damburger.

A Celebration of Life will be 1 pm, December 7, 2024, at Community of Christ Church, 1101 NE Independence Avenue, Lee’s Summit. Immediately after the service, there will be a reception at the church where you can share your favorite stories of Ben.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ReDiscover ℅ Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, 3rd & Market Street, Osceola, MO 64776.