Benjamin Gregory “Ben” Gillum

Benjamin Gregory “Ben” Gillum, 28, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025. He was born on September 22, 1997, in Indianapolis to Greg and Brenda Gillum.

To know Ben Gillum was to know his beautiful smile. Ben was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, but those who knew him, knew that this did not stop him from living his life to the fullest, from skiing in Colorado, riding his bike, amusement park rides, or going swimming at the lake. Ben loved to travel and he was drawn toward adventure. If there was a way for him to participate, he was there, smiling ear to ear. He was a knock-knock joke enthusiast, a lover of a good margarita, and could always be found listening to Country music. We will miss him singing along to the radio and at concerts.

Ben was a proud graduate of Granville Wells Elementary School and Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School where he impacted everyone he met with his contagious smile and fun-loving attitude. He cherished his teachers and friendships made there more than many of them probably even know. In the fall of 2015, Ben was crowned Western Boone’s Football Homecoming King and there was not a dry eye in the stands that night. After graduation, Ben enjoyed spending time at the ARC of Greater Boone County.

Life was not always kind to Ben, but one thing’s for sure, Ben was always kind no matter what he was facing. Towards the end of his life, Ben faced multiple medical challenges that would have caused many to give up, but he was a fighter and we loved him for that, but we find peace and comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain – enjoying the things he can now do with his heavenly body that his earthly one wouldn’t allow. Ben loved his friends and family with all he could, and though we will miss him dearly, we know he will live on in each of us.

Ben is survived by his parents, Greg and Brenda Gillum, as well as his twin sister Kate (Nate) Roth, and soon-to-be nephew.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Norman and Dorothy Gillum and Robert and Barbara Wagner.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 11am until the time of the funeral service at 1pm at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary in Lebanon, IN. A family graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a bowl of ice cream or a margarita in Ben’s honor. If that’s not your thing, please plant a tree at a location of your choice in Ben’s name.