Rev. Benjamin James Capshaw , age 41 of Elwood, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, August 19, 2021.  He was born June 22, 1980 in Tompkinsville, KY, the son of Patricia I. (Hennis) and James V. Capshaw.  Ben was a 1998 graduate of Frankton High School before attending Indiana Wesleyan University.  He graduated from I.W.U. with a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministry and a Master's Degree in Ministerial Leadership.  Ben married the love of his life, Amanda Miller, on December 18, 2004. They had two beautiful children together, Isaac (age 13) and Noah (age 10). Ben was the current senior pastor of Central Wesleyan Church in Elwood for the past nine years and was known as "Pastor Ben" to his church family.  During his tenure, Ben's leadership helped the church grow and thrive as a congregation for God's ministry.  Ben formerly worked as the children's pastor at Faith Church in Lansing, Michigan; youth pastor at Bryant Wesleyan Church; and substitute teacher in Elwood for several years.  He was the current City of Elwood Chaplain, and he was dedicated to caring for residents in many difficult situations in that role.  Ben's ministry and chaplaincy touched countless lives through the years.  He was an active member and former President of the Elwood Ministerial Association and current member of the Crossroads District Board of Ministerial Development.

Ben always had a smile on his face, and greeted everyone with a positive attitude.  He had a real zest for life and especially helping others.  He enjoyed coaching various sports in Elwood and at White River, and he was an avid Michigan and Colts football fan.  Ben was active in cycling where he had completed the Hilly Hundred, the RAIN ride, and the DALMAC ride.  Recently, he was active with the Duck Creek Players theatre group where he and his family appeared in the production of "A Gentleman from Indiana" in 2021.  More than anything, Ben was absolutely devoted to his wife and children.  He loved nothing more than spending time with his family, being outdoors, and pursuing all sorts of adventures.  Ben and Amanda were currently pursuing their vision of establishing "Catalyst Youth Center" in Elwood as a safe haven for local youth.  Ben had a heart for "the least, lost, left-out, looked over, and left behind".

Ben's family legacy includes his wife, Amanda Capshaw of Elwood; two sons, Isaac and Noah Capshaw; mother and step-father, Pat and Mike McDonald of Anderson; father, Jim Capshaw of Anderson; 6 sisters, Brandy (Kyle) Horn of Warsaw, Bridget (David) Cave of Anderson, Cayla McDonald of Eden, Jericca McDonald of Portland, Stephanie McDonald of Anderson, and Gretchen McDonald of Anderson; grandfather, Rev. Willard Hennis of Anderson; father and mother-in-law, Rev. Matt and Sherrill Miller of Fishers; 2 brothers-in-law, Phillip (Margaret) Miller of Indianapolis and Tadd (Julie) Miller of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews.  Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents, Diana M. Hennis and Veneda "Mamaw" McDonald.

A Celebration of Life service will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Elwood Jr. / Sr. High School Auditorium with Rev. Roger Gardner and Rev. Mark Gorvette officiating.  Visitation with the family will follow the service from 2 to 5 pm in the auditorium.  Social distancing and health precautions are appreciated.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a Go-Fund-Me account established by the funeral home: https://gofund.me/34d03d31 , or to the Isaac and Noah Capshaw College fund.  Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home has been entrusted with Ben's arrangements.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com .