Lt. Col. Benjamin Lee Visser

Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Lee Visser, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, passed away on April 5, 2026. Benjamin was born and raised in Grandville, Michigan by his parents Bob and Sheryl Visser, where he graduated Valedictorian from Calvin Christian High School. He then attended the United States Air Force Academy where he was Top Graduate in Astronautical Engineering in 2005. Benjamin went on to earn his masters in Aeronautics/Astronautics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology before completing pilot training at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Lieutenant Colonel Visser was a Command Pilot who flew the T-37, T-38C, T-6A, B-52H, and E-11 and has over 2,900 flight hours, including 716 combat hours.

His military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal, with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Air and Space Force Commendation Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Meritorious Unit Award; Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award; Combat Readiness Medal; Air and Space Recognition Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with two Service Stars; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with “N” Device and two Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long;Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with two Oak Leaf Clusters; Air and Space Longevity Service, with four Oak Leaf Clusters; Air and Space Training Ribbon

Although Benjamin had many professional accomplishments, his greatest one was his family. He leaves behind three beautiful, sweet children, Blythe (13), Byrdie (11), and Owen Elizabeth (9). He also leaves behind his loving wife of fifteen years, Whitney. Some of our happiest memories as a family were spent on many family vacations all around Texas, Europe, Colorado, and Ruidoso, to name a few. We will cherish the memories of those good times forever. We would also like to thank our friends and family for all of their incredible love and support.

Benjamin is also survived by his mom Sheryl Arnold (husband Jim); father Bob Visser (wife Brenda); sisters Jennifer Young (husband Dave) and Julie Arnoldink; grandmothers Wilma Noppert and Marsha Visser; parent-in-laws Ron and Lorrie Ballinger; sister-in-laws Caylor Travers (husband Cody), Kylie Webb (husband Eric), Corry Ballinger, and Tawny (Petey) Ballinger; nieces Brooke, Kinley, Palmer and Turner; and nephews Kyle, Mason, Hudson, Hayes, and Thatcher.

Visitation will be held at Boone Funeral Home in Bossier City, LA on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 5-7pm and service to be held at Benton Methodist Church on Saturday, April 11th at 2:00pm. Graveside services with full Military Honors for Lt. Col. Benjamin Lee Visser, 43, will be held at a later date. 

Benjamin has earned his ultimate wings and now off he goes into the wild blue yonder.