Benjamin Jeremy Northup

Benjamin Northup was born in Columbia, Missouri, on November 14, 1981, to Nancy McMillan
and Allen Reed. He passed away on August 22, 2026, at 9:20 p.m. at the University of Missouri
Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.
Ben was larger than life in the things he loved and passionate about the people and pursuits that
mattered most to him. His children will always remember the simple moments that made him
such a special father—from sitting up at 3 a.m. eating cookies with his daughters, to taking his
children hunting and sharing in the excitement of their first deer, to taking the time to go fishing
with his children.
Ben loved the outdoors, with hunting holding a lifelong place in his heart, followed closely by
fishing. He also took great pride in his work, especially his flooring and the special projects he
completed. When Ben put his heart into something, he gave it everything he had. He was
passionate about his work, his family, and the life he lived.
Above all, Ben was passionate about being a husband, father, and grandfather. He loved life for
what it was and embraced whatever life brought his way. He will be remembered for his
larger-than-life personality, his stubborn determination, his love of the outdoors, the pride he
took in his work, and the countless memories he created with those he loved.
Ben was preceded in death by his grandmother, Virginia Northup; his father, Allen Reed, and
stepmother, Donna Carpenter; his mother, Nancy McMillan; and his sister, Jackie Reed.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Northup, and their children, Shelby Northup (17), Lansford
Northup (13), and Isabella Northup (6); his children, Eric Spencer (23), and Savannah Northup
(22), her husband Ben Foster, and their daughter Korra Foster (1) (with Jessica Spencer); his
youngest child, Zachariah Northup (2 months), with his special companions, Jayann
Schimmoller and Lisa Keel; his stepfather, Ed McMillan; his siblings, Tricia Day, Lynn Babbitt
Stucky and her husband, Trent Babbitt Stucky, Michael McMillan and his wife, Tabitha
McMillan, and Devin Reed; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members,
and loved ones who will cherish his memory always.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Ben's life will be held on Saturday, August 29, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at
Bethel Park.
The gathering will include a potluck dinner. The family will provide the meat, and guests are
welcome to bring food and/or drinks, or simply bring themselves. More than anything, the
family would like to have the company of those who knew and loved Ben.
Following the celebration at the park, family and friends are invited to continue gathering at
Justin's, 12337 Hwy FF, Centralia, MO 65240 (please bring your own beverages

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Benjamin Jeremy Northup, please visit our floral store.