One could say it is not tragic to die doing what you love and Benjamin “Ben” Wallace, 38, died doing what he loved. He was camping with his family, his dog by his side, a pot of coffee was made, his boat in the water, and he was living his best life.
He was born in Hutchinson on December 18, 1987. He was the son of Binnie “Binky” (Chaffin) and Harold “J. R.” Kendrick.
Filled with charisma, he was named the Casanova Kid in grade school. In high school, his favorite classes were Art and Orchestra. Ben graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2006. Lost for a few years, he found his purpose when he became a father.
In February 2017, Ben met his soulmate Corrine “Cori” Blakeslee and they were married on October 31, 2025. Together, they blended and formed a seamlessly united family.
He earned his associates degree in 2021 from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Ben owned and operated “Triple B’s Bakery” (Ben’s Best Bakes) in Nickerson. His love for baking could not keep him from his calling in long-term care. Ben went to work as a CMA at Legend of Hutchinson and was enrolling in prerequisites for Nursing School.
Ben’s free time was spent with his family; whether it was coaching, traveling, fishing, or boating on the lake it involved his wife and children.
Ben is survived by: his wife, Cori, children, Alex, Annalise, Cit, Gabriel, and Norah-Grace, all of Nickerson; siblings, Staci Fenton and Shana Cook, both of Hutchinson, Brandi Kendrick and Brent Kendrick, both of South Hutchinson; grandmother, Betty (Jesse) Pinkston, Sr., of Hutchinson; aunts, Tammy Bass and Bonnie Vigil, both of Hutchinson, Sheri (Steve) Michael, of Enid, OK, Donna (Reyes) Tamayo of Chino, CA; uncles, Roger (Linda) Chaffin and Jesse (Marilyn) Pinkston, Jr., both of Hutchinson; mother-in-law, Denise Blakeslee, of Nickerson; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, J.R. and Binky Kendrick; biological father, Ricky “Rick” Wallace; uncle, Danny Pinkston; father-in-law, Mark Blakeslee; a son lost before they had a chance to meet, Christopher; and his loyal dog, Roxi.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation will take place following the funeral service.