Obituary: Benjamin Darrell McKenzie

Benjamin Darrell McKenzie was born to Benjamin McKenzie and Patricia Ann Mckenzie on April 3, 1970 in Peekskill, New York. Sharing his given name with his father, he grew up being known as Darrell.

He was the first son and second born after Nicolle. He was older brother to three sisters and a brother: Autumn, Jocelyn, Jasmine, and Jonathan. They grew up in the church of First Assembly of God, Binghamton, New York.

Darrell graduated from Vestal High School, Vestal, New York in 1988. He excelled in academics and was a year-round All-Star athlete, including track and field, basketball, soccer, and football.

Benjamin Darrell graduated from The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York in 1992. He was a Division 1 (D1) student-athlete throughout his four years at West Point. His military service included assignments and deployments not limited to: Fort Bragg, Fort Bliss, Fort Drum, Korea, and Haiti

His military decorations, medals, badges, and campaign ribbons awarded included but not limited to: Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Parachutist Badge

Benjamin separated from the army as a Captain in 1998 and pursued a career in information technology management. He bought a home in the heart of Capitol Hill, Washington DC in 2000.

The hallmark of his life is that he was a giver to his family, friends, and to protect our freedom through his service in the military. In his spare time, he played the guitar.

He was an intellectual and ultimate competitor. The world will never be the same because he lived, loved well, and gave all in good cheer. His faith in Jesus Christ earns him an eternal reward.

He is survived by his father, Benjamin McKenzie, four sisters: Nicolle Johnson, Autumn Jackson, Jocelyn McKenzie, and Jasmine McKenzie; and nine nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Patricia Ann McKenzie (2020) and his younger brother, Jonathan Paul McKenzie (2021)

His life celebration will be held at the Old Cadet Chapel, West Point, New York on March 13, 2026. Internment and final resting place: West Point Cemetery on the grounds of the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY.