Ben Seifried, 37, of The Woodlands, TX, passed away on November 15, 2022 after a valiant battle with Gastroesophageal cancer. 

Ben was born on January 25, 1985 in Claremore, OK where he spent his childhood years with his mom, Angie, and siblings Malachi and Corinna. Ben was the child who loved 4H, sports, lake days with his whole extended family, and always kept his mom on her toes with injuries due to ridiculous childhood antics. A proud member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, Ben grew into a talented athlete, showing heart and commitment as a member of his WSA club and Bishop Kelley High School soccer teams.

At  St Gregory's University, Ben studied Health & Fitness and played soccer on scholarship. It was there that Ben met another talented soccer player, Autumn Rogers, and decided that he would have to major in something other than beer pong if he were to become the husband and father he wanted to be.  After marrying in 2006, Ben & Autumn lived and worked in Tulsa, OK where they welcomed their first child Thaddeus in 2008, became foster parents, and made the decision to move across the ocean to live in China as missionaries from 2012-2014.  Their teaching & traveling adventures in China and Southeast Asia culminated in a permanent love of chuar, sweet potato lattes, coconut curry, jungle hikes, and making deep connections with people across language barriers.

After moving back to Texas where they settled in New Braunfels for a few years, Ben worked at the YMCA and Senior Citizens Center until Autumn was offered a position at Big Bend Ranch State Park and they moved the family out to West Texas. The Chihuahuan Desert captured their hearts and was Ben’s favorite place they adventured. He spent much of his time homeschooling Thaddeus, volunteering for the park, birding & stargazing, trail running, & working with the horses on the ranch. In 2017 Ben, Autumn, and Thaddeus made the transition to The Woodlands where youngest son Azariah joined the family. There, Ben realized a long-time goal and personal passion when he was accepted into Physical Therapy Assistant school, successfully finishing the program and achieving certification in 2020. Just a few months after starting work with pediatric home health patients, it was discovered that Ben inexplicably had stage 4 cancer. 

Throughout his grueling time in physical therapy school & pursuing the vocation while simultaneously enduring the symptoms of his illness, Ben was a huge source of inspiration for many and always endeavored to encourage and exhort others with his faith and hope in the Lord. Despite eventually being forced to give up his career due to cancer, Ben never stopped seeking ways to serve others, always finding ways to “do small things with great love.” 

While sick, he nevertheless continued to volunteer at church and with Houston Welcomes Refugees, the non-profit organization that supports newcomers to the USA from countries in conflict.  With a heart for service, Ben sought to help people, and above all, wanted to bring hope to those he encountered.  He was truly the hands and feet of Christ in action. He bore his burdens with patience, humility, and a dry sense of sarcastic humor. He never put himself before his family, even when he was ill and suffering. He knew he was going to his eternal home to be healed with Jesus. 

Ben was a steady, calm person to be around, kind to all, with a penchant for terribly punny Dad jokes, which he passed on to his oldest son Thaddeus, who is already honoring his father's interests in this way. Ben loved to camp with his family, enjoyed a good craft beer, playing sports with his boys, and indulging Autumn’s love of good science fiction. He was not just a husband, but irreplaceable friend and partner to his wife, and an extraordinarily involved, dedicated father to Thaddeus and Azariah. Ben was a "good and faithful servant" who gave of himself without pride or agenda. 

Ben can never be replaced,  therefore his loss will forever be keenly felt and acknowledged. He had so much left to do and he gave his best effort to stay a little longer. Autumn, Thaddeus, Azariah, and the families of Autumn and Ben will keep his memory alive forever as they strive to uphold the values of generosity, humility, and service to others that Ben exemplified each day of his 37 years. 

The family would like to express their profound thanks to Ben’s medical team, including Dr. William Ross, Dr. Andrew Jackson, nurses Christina Genthon and JoLynn Dupre and medical assistant Ashley Bravo. The care they provided was exceptional not only medically, but also in the deep compassion shown for their patients and their families. Thank you for helping Ben fight to stay beside those he loved and who loved him fiercely in return. 

To their family, community group family, and WoodsEdge church family at large, words cannot express the gratitude felt for your faithfulness in prayer and service as Ben navigated cancer.

Ben's Memorial Service will be held Saturday December 3, 2022 at 1pm at WoodsEdge Community Church. In lieu of flowers or remembrance gifts, the family asks that donations be sent to either the Houston Welcomes Refugees non-profit organization with which Ben volunteered, or to the GoFundMe campaign to continue supporting Autumn and the boys in Ben's absence. https://gofund.me/546f7a14

And, in his memory, look for ways to “Do small things with great love.”

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