Benjamin Davis McCrum was born Sept 14, 1992, and achieved his final rest with Jesus on December 4, 2022.

As a young child, Ben was precocious and vibrant.  From the moment he could walk, he ran.  He loved to make his family smile by being silly. He enjoyed playing video games, watching pro wrestling and Eagles football games - it was always joyful to participate in these activities with Ben.

At 18 years old (2011), just as his childhood was turning into adulthood, he acquired a catastrophic brain injury.  This injury may have stripped him of his abilities, but not his sense of humor and desire to make people smile - when he smiled, the whole room lit up.

Ben was a survivor. He never gave up fighting for his quality of life. He was a strong self-advocate despite being challenged daily for 11 years.  He was truly a child of God and showed that all life is precious and worthy of living.

His family owes a great debt of gratitude to those who loved and cared for Ben.  Many loving and kind people tended to his medical needs and to his quality of life. Christiana Visiting Nurses, Bayada Home Health Care, Mosiac, and Transitions Practice at Christiana are just a few of the dedicated, compassionate organizations that helped Ben live a full life.

We are eternally grateful to his BFF Karalyn Manns. She was his light when his world was the darkest.

Ben has a wide circle of extended family and friends that will miss him dearly:

He is survived by his mother and loving advocate, Jody Hougentogler, bonus dad Jeff Hougentogler, two sisters Sarah and Natalie Hougentogler, grandfather Gary Jarboe, bonus grandmother Pam Hougentogler; Craig and Teri Williams, his mamaw and papaw from Kentucky; Joan Geesaman his great-grandmother from Delaware; Rod and Sandy Hougentogler, his grandparents from Delaware; his MomMom Helen Spence; his aunt Justine Riley and cousins Emily and Jack; his aunt Jill and her husband Tom Cilmi and cousin Ashley; his aunt Carrie and husband Mike DeBlasio; his uncle Russell and wife Rachel Spence and cousins Cambree and Colton; his uncle Dustin and wife Cara Williams and cousins Callen, Cason, Cameron; his aunt Laurel Williams and cousins Skyler and DeAnna; his aunt Rachael Hougentogler.

He was predeceased by his father, David McCrum; and his grandmother, Barbara Lewallen.

Services:

We are celebrating Ben's life on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 1-4 PM at Faith Community Church, 2240 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901 (302-697-1673).

Please feel free wear your best Eagles or Phillies attire or anything green or orange, Ben's favorite colors.

1-2 pm will be a time to visit with family.

2-4 pm will be a memorial and celebration of Benjamin Davis McCrum.  Bring your favorite memories to share.

There will be light refreshments served.

Donations:

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to one or more of the following:

Faith Community Church: https://fccde.org/online-giving/

Freedom Center for Independent Living: https://fcilde.org/donate/

To leave a condolence, please click the tab marked "Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.