Oscar Clarence “Sonny” Ben was born on December 30, 1947, and departed this life on December 3, 2025, at home in Violet, LA, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 77 years old. Sonny was the beloved son of the late Rev. Willie H. Ben, the late Joyce Mae Watson Ben, and the late Mamie Agnes Encalade, as well as the cherished Godson of the late Duran Peters. Sonny received his early education at Violet Consolidated School in St. Bernard Parish and later graduated from Phoenix High School in Plaquemines Parish. Following graduation, Sonny began his professional journey at Kaiser Aluminum in Chalmette, LA, where he worked as a crane operator for 14 years. He later relocated to Tacoma, WA, continuing his career with Kaiser until his retirement in 2012. Even after retiring, Sonny remained active, working in Washington State as a security officer and transporter at the Chips Casino and the Palace Casino, where he was known for his reliability and dedication. In July 2016, he returned home to Violet, where he spent his remaining years among family, friends, and familiar comforts. At the young age of 11, Sonny accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior on August 15, 1959 at St. John Baptist Church in Bertrandville, LA. In his later years, he became a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael Jiles, Sr. To all who knew him, Sonny will be remembered for his easy spirit, warm smile, and enduring kindness. He had a natural gift for bringing joy into any room and creating laughter wherever he went. There was a time when he enjoyed riding his bicycle adorned with bright decorative lights, getting on his riding lawn mower and cutting grass for his neighbors and family, and he took great pride in being a dart-throwing champion during his time in Washington. Sonny was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara; his sisters, Delores Smith and Carrie Mae Williams; and his brothers, James Washington and Huey Encalade. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Adrianne Williams, Trina Bryan, Kendra Ben, and Mahaley Ganten. His grandchildren, Joseph Jamison, Shelton Alexander Jr, Timothy Ben, Tyla Williams, Theron Williams, II, Naya Williams, Taj Bickham, Tia Greer, Kevin Bryan Jr., Angel Bryan, Bryson, Alyjah, and Moses Finney. Four great-grandchildren Kaleb Howard, Joseph Jamison, Aliyah and Karson Williams. His Godmother Audrey Peters, Godsons, Goddaughters, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. He shared special bonds with his brother Merlin Ben Sr.; cousins Tyrone Ben and Evelyn Bartholomy; and his devoted friend Bernadette Green. The family acknowledges their heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering love, care, and support of Sonny. Sonny also treasured the companionship of his neighborhood friends Roosevelt “Mackie” Walker, Rodney “Coo” Hamilton, Wayne Leflore, and Larry Aisola Sr. Sonny was never one for long goodbyes. He believed they were not an ending but a promise. To him, every farewell simply meant, “Until we meet again.” The family of Oscar Clarence “Sonny” Ben would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone. We deeply appreciate all of your prayers, your presence, your comforting words and other acts of kindness during our time of bereavement. A memorial will be held December 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Braithwaite, LA 70040 with a repast following Immediately after the service at the Rev. Aaron I. Green Multipurpose Center located at 111 Bethlehem Lane in Braithwaite. Final Arrangements Entrusted To: The Charbonnet-Labat Funeral Home, 1615 St. Phillip St., New Orleans, LA 70116 / 4917 Judge Perez Dr., Violet, LA 70092.