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Myrtle Beach… Major Benjamin Daniel Yenicek, age 45, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Born September 5, 1978, in St. Charles, Missouri, he was the son of Patricia Yenicek and the late William J. Yenicek. Ben was a graduate of the University of Missouri Science and Technology, Mines and Metallurgy Academy, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma and then received his MBA from the University of South Carolina. Ben faithfully served his country for over 20 years in the SC Army National Guard. He was a combat veteran who served in Iraq during 2004-2005 in the 3rd Battalion 178th Artillery. He also deployed to Poland in May 2022. His other positions included service as the Commander, Alpha Battery, 178 FA Bn. Assistant Operations Officer (S3), and as an Air Defense Artillery Fire Control Officer (ADAFCO) in the 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. Major Yenicek was a graduate of Palmetto Military Academy (OCS) Class 59, the Field Artillery Officer Basic Leadership Course, Captains Career Course, Air Defense Artillery Transition Course, ADAFCO School, and had recently completed a Counter Unmanned Arial Surveillance Course. In all of his military education, he received top honors at graduation. Major Yenicek was a member of the SC Militia Field Artillery Society and recipient of the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. In most recent years, Ben worked for MetGlass in Conway and had recently began working with Booz Allen Hamilton as a defense contractor. Ben loved his family; he was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. In addition to his father, he is predeceased by his uncle, Michael Griffin and his cousin, Melissa Ward (Chad). Along with his mother, he is survived by his wife of 16 years, Amanda Rogers Yenicek; two children, Michael Griffin Yenicek and Sara Grace Yenicek; a sister, Lisa Yenicek and her child, Nat; aunts and uncles, Dorothy and Art Heyl and Pam Griffin; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mike and Sara Rogers; sister-in-law, Melissa Leopper (Anthony), and their children, William and Caleb; brother-in-law, Michael Rogers (Holly) and their children, Amelia and McLeod; and many cousins and other extended family. Memorial services with Military Honors will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Kyle Randle and Chaplain (Major) Greg Brown officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 PM-2:00 PM prior to the service, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Benjamin's memory to First United Methodist Church, Youth Ministries, Or text "Firstconway Yenicek" to 73256 or to the SC National Guard, PO Box 7606, Columbia, SC 29202. Please sign the online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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Major Benjamin Daniel Yenicek

September 5, 1978 - December 28, 2023