| Graduation Year | Class of 1950 |
| Date of Birth | Jun 29, 1932 |
| Date of Passing | May 16, 2024 |
| About | Benjamin J. Brent, 91, of Zanesville, Ohio entered into eternal rest May 16, 2024, at approximately 9:45am, on his way to a doctor’s appointment with his wife beside him. Ben was born June 29, 1932, to the late Douglas and Lucille (Stevens) Brent, in Richmond, Indiana. In 1936 the Brent Family returned to Zanesville, Ohio. At a young age Ben developed a love for God, his fellowman and life; he joined the Church of God and Saints of Christ. The Church was where he learned that God was the center of his being. Ben understood the importance of a good education to exceed in life and he graduated from the class of 1950 from Lash High School in Zanesville. In 1954 he was drafted into the United States Army where he served two years as a conscientious objector and was assigned to the medical dispensary group. Ben returned to Zanesville and he had a strong desire to go to college, however, he had no money. His brother Jehu lived in Washington, DC, and opened his arms of love to allow Ben to attend Howard University for three years. Life’s trying circumstances did not allow him to graduate, however, he did return to Ohio and attended Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Ben worked for the State of Ohio in the Department of Arial Engineering as a Photogrammetrists, studying and developing satellite maps, for 31 years. His first love was to God and he was very active in the Church of God and Saints of Christ. He was a member of the Department of Religious Education and was instrumental in developing educational religious materials. He was also on the Board of Home and Foreign Mission and The Board of General Tabernacle Trustees. He was a staunch supporter to the Church and to the Men of God. Ben had a social side and he loved being a member of the Zanesville Esquire Club for over 50 years. He was also a member of Golden Rule 30 Masonic Lodge when it was active in Zanesville and was on the founding board for the establishment of the Carey Street Day Care Center. In 1983 Ben married Toni Sowers and they truly loved and enjoyed life together for over 40 years. Ben’s love of life will be remembered by many that knew him. A few nights before he passed, he said he was blessed with 3 women in his life, I said 3??? He said – Toni – Anna – China. We all laughed. He was truly a Hoot. He leaves behind his wife, Toni Sowers Brent; two sisters – Elizabeth Patterson, Hyattsville, MD and Pamela Middleton, Richmond, VA; Sister-in-law, Lorraine Brent, Laurel, MD and Ella Brent of Maryland; Brother & Sister-in-law Justine and Beverly Sowers, Zanesville, OH and his God-Sons – Jonathan Smith, Zanesville, OH; Brent Middleton, Richmond, VA. He also leaves behind two other individuals that lived with and they watched over him – Great Niece, Ariannna Sowers and China Brent, China is his most beloved dog; as well as several other nieces, nephews, friends and family. Preceding him in death – his parents; two sisters – Martha Brent, Naomi Singer; six brothers, Paul, Jehu, Ezra, Daniel, Raymond and William. Because of Ben’s love for the development of young people I am asking that flowers be omitted and a donation be made to the Department of Religious Education of the Church of God and Saints of Christ in his memory. Donations can be made by internet to: Church Website – cogasoc.org – click on eGiving tab – click on 1 time giving – choose DRE and in the memo field enter “Scholarship/Brent – complete payment. You may call on the family Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with funeral services starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of God and Saints of Christ, 516 Cliffwood Avenue, Zanesville, OH. Burial will follow funeral services in Woodlawn Cemetery. |
