In memory of Ben Espy.

As Adopted by the Senate

136th General Assembly

Regular Session

S. R. No. 4

2025-2026

Senators
Craig, McColley

Cosponsors:
Senators Antonio, Blackshear, Blessing, Brenner, Chavez, Cirino,
Cutrona, DeMora, Gavarone, Hicks-Hudson, Huffman, Ingram, Johnson,
Koehler, Landis, Lang, Liston, Manchester, Manning, O'Brien, Patton,
Reineke, Reynolds, Roegner, Romanchuk, Schaffer, Smith, Weinstein,
Wilkin, Wilson

A R E S O L U T I O N

In
memory of Ben Espy.

WHEREAS,
The members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio
extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ben
Espy on the sorrowful occasion of his death; and

WHEREAS,
Ben Espy left an indelible impression on the people whose lives he
touched, and he will be remembered as a spirited individual who
contributed immeasurably to the world around him. An attorney, he
worked for Allegheny Airlines as a corporate lawyer and served the
U.S. Air Force as an assistant staff judge advocate at Hancock Field
Air Force Base and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office as a staff
member before starting his own law practice in 1977. Widely renowned
for his career in public office, he was a member of the Columbus City
Council for ten years, holding the post of president pro tempore and
then the Ohio Senate for ten years, serving as the assistant minority
leader and minority leader. He was active with several local and
state organizations and started the Columbus Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr., Holiday Celebration and the Columbus Youth Corps. Indeed, he
will be remembered for his generosity, talents, and seemingly
inexhaustible energy; and

WHEREAS,
Ben Espy’s regard for improving the quality of life in our society
was clearly evident in his personal sacrifices of time and effort to
family, friends, and community. Giving generously of his energy and
abilities in all of his endeavors, he displayed exceptional concern
and insight, and his absence will be keenly felt; and

WHEREAS,
A loving husband to his wife, the late Kathlynne, a devoted father to
his four children, Elizabeth, Amy, Laura, and Lynnette, and a doting
grandfather to his numerous grandchildren, Ben Espy always used his
talents to the benefit of others, and the warmth and understanding he
readily extended to those around him will stand as a testament to his
personal character. Although the void which his death has created can
never be filled, the legacy of care and commitment he established
will surely live on; therefore be it

RESOLVED,
That we, the members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of
Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, pay tribute to the memory of a
truly honorable man, Ben Espy; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a duly authenticated copy of
this Resolution to the family of Ben Espy.