Obituary: Benjamin Lee Shane Okey

Benjamin Lee Shane Okey (May 11, 1977 – June 22, 2024)

Benjamin passed away in Toledo on June 22, 2024, following an extended period of illness.

He was born in Los Angeles on May 11, 1977. He joined the Okey family, by adoption, in 1979. With his family, he moved to Manchester in 1981 and attended Manchester Community Schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

Ben struggled with addiction his entire life after being born with fetal alcohol syndrome and he passed away from complications related to alcoholism. During his time in Manchester he received tremendous support from the schools and the community and carried fond memories of his family, friends, and teachers here.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Anne and L. LaMont Okey, and his maternal grandparents, Jay B and Wanda King, as well as his brother-in-law, Matthew C. Bair. He is survived by his parents, LaMont and JoAnn Okey; siblings, Jen Bair, Jeno (Hang) Okey, Jon (Alyssa) Okey, Kate Okey, and Elizabeth (Kimberly) Okey; nephews, Ryan Towler, Warren Okey, and Lewis Okey; nieces, Riley Bair, Elizabeth Towler, Reese Bair, Paige Bair, Ines Okey, and Genevieve Okey; cousins, Ryan (Ceara) Shankland, Matthew (Amy) Marr, and Kristin (Kyle) Bingham; and his aunts, Lee Ann (Bill) King and Cindy (Dennis) Marr.

The family will hold a private memorial at a date to be determined.

Donations to Alcoholics Anonymous or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.