Benjamen Franklin Kingcade-Glover

Benjamin Franklin Kingcade-Glover, known to family and friends as Benj, passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 50. Born on September 28, 1974, in Oklahoma, Ben spent his childhood in Moore, where he attended Westmoore High School. A natural athlete, he wrestled for Westmoore and later attended the University of Oklahoma, where he studied architecture before finding his true passion in graphic design.

Ben was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity at OU, where his comedic spirit and big heart made him beloved by all. He even stepped into the ring for the Snorter Luster Charity Boxing Match, representing his fraternity and showcasing his competitive nature. Though artistic and athletic, Ben often felt his creations were never quite perfect—an unyielding drive for excellence that marked everything he did. After college, Ben modeled for the Linda Laymen Agency and appeared in publications such as the Tulsa World and Tulsa People. He held various roles at his family’s car dealership, later in his career using his talent for detail and perfectionism to lay tile, landscape, decorate homes for the holidays, and sew custom car and boat interiors. He was, in every sense, a modern Renaissance man. Ben loved being outdoors. He hunted alongside his father, Jess, uncle Jim, and cousin Jared, and spent many hours on the lake wake boarding and Slaloming.

A self-described “big goofball,” Ben lived to make people laugh and to find joy in every moment—even in the face of life’s challenges. He and his childhood friends would sneak out to dance to breakdancing routines they invented in middle and high school. He skateboarded, rode dirt bikes, and embraced mischief, all with a contagious grin. Family members fondly recall times when Ben, seeing their somber faces after his father swerved to avoid an armadillo on the road, burst into laughter and lightened the mood, reminding everyone why he was the life of any gathering. Despite his rugged exterior, Ben was a “big softie” he always wanted a Maine Coon cat to adopt and cherishing his close bond with his mother. He adored giving his sisters, Carlee Steele and husband Jeff, Athena Godkins, and Jessica Timaus and husband Stephen, good-natured grief, always ready with a playful jab in family wrestling matches. Once, returning home from college, Athena teased him about being the “little brother,” only for Ben, now grown and stronger, to gently pin her in a wrestling move before bursting into laughter. His sister Carlee would egg Benji on ramp up his hijenks. Growing up he and his friends would aggravative Jessica by locking her out of the house. Ben’s warmth drew people in: classmates, fraternity brothers, and neighbors all wanted to be near him. His best friend from childhood said, “Everyone wanted to be Ben—he lit up every room he walked into.”

In recent years, Ben’s heart found renewed purpose. Recently saved and “on fire” with faith, he actively participated in Living Faith Ministry and worked at Cottonwood Cove in Creed, Colorado. His faith deepened his generosity and compassion, traits that defined him.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Grady W. and June Kingcade; Earl and Lucille Glover; his father, Grady Franklin Kingcade II; and his aunt, Ona Sweden.

Ben is survived by his son, Benjamin Alexander Glover; his loving parents, Jess and Kathy Glover; and his sisters; Carlee Steele and husband Jeff, and their children Holli and Cody; Athena Godkins and her daughters Addison and Gabrielle; Jessica Timaus and husband Stephen, and their daughters Olivia, Marley, and Lila.

Ben’s larger-than-life spirit, creative soul, and unwavering love for family and friends leave a legacy that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.