Benjamin Sallee

Benjamin Douglas Sallee, age 38 of Milford, Kansas, son to Doug and Pam Sallee, and brother to Tiffany (Gabriel) Dollins, left this worldly place on January 7, 2026, to accept his reward and promise of eternal peace.

Ben, who was often referred to as Bennie, Bennie Bear, Bubba, and Mr. Awesome, was born September 15, 1987, in Newton, Kansas. He attended USD 475 School District as a Franklin Falcon, Junction City Middle School Wildcat, and Junction City High School Blue Jay. After High School, Ben went on to attend Barton County Community College and Washburn University earning associate degrees from both institutions.

Ben loved playing baseball, football, basketball, and soccer in his grade school and middle school years. Ben’s proudest moment playing sports occurred in 5th grade when he was selected as the team’s Most Valuable Player for pitching the final two innings of the team’s season ending baseball tournament win. Ben was unhittable throughout both innings and never needed a coach to step in to finish an out. It was the only time Ben was called to pitch that season thus validating “Be ready when your number is called.” In the sport seasons to follow, participating gave way to cheering on his friends as he was diagnosed with a progressive muscular disease. Not to be deterred, Ben grew to be an avid Blue Jay, Royals, and Chiefs fan. Attending games when he could, but watching mostly online, Ben became an exceptional “Armchair Quarterback”. Surrounding himself with all his favorite team’s memorabilia. His game critiques brought smiles to those who “Armchaired” with him.

As Ben battled his physical challenges, he refused to let it define him. Always a comedian, he often referred to himself as special. To live up to this, he volunteered his time at Franklin Elementary to help students read on grade level. When this was no longer possible, he spent his time and resources spoiling his nieces with his time and gifts. He truly loved the three girls and loved spoiling them as well as seeing his sister’s reaction as he did so.

His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. If you hadn’t seen Ben in a while, you could count on catching him at the Junction City Fourth of July parade in front of the Eye Doctors. That evening, family and friends could plan on a magnificent Fourth of July display courtesy of Ben and his awesomeness.

His memories will be cherished by his parents, Doug and Pamela Sallee; his sister Tiffany (Gabriel) Dollins of Lee’s Summitt, MO; his nieces Kennedy, Zoey, and Paige; and his grandmother, Barbara Sallee of Wichita, KS; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved Ben for his kindness, care, and love of life.

A private family burial will be held this coming week. A celebration of life is planned for the Fourth of July.

A memorial is established with the Geary Community Schools Foundation (Post Secondary Accessibility Resources Grant) for JCHS special needs graduates who need financial assistance to acquire assistive devices or aides to achieve their Post Secondary Education goals and contributions may be sent in care of the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home 918 7th Street Clay Center, Kansas 67432.