Dr. Benjamin LeRoy Thornley, H.D.D., M.C.A., 73 of Ankeny, died Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny. Ben was born October 3, 1948, in Des Moines, the son of William H. Thornley Sr. and Myrtle Lea Arnold. He graduated from Des Moines Tech in 1966 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marines Corps, serving in Vietnam and at Camp Pendleton as a Rifleman trainer until his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1969. On August 18, 1972, Ben was united in marriage to Eden Myra Pitman in Des Moines. He worked many years in retail management before being called to the ministry. Ben served for almost twenty years as Vice President/CFO for Kingsway University & Theological Seminary. Ben was an avid fan of the Iowa State Cyclones and Iowa Cubs. He enjoyed spending time with family, playing card games, cooking, fishing, and traveling. His favorite places to visit included Indonesia, Argentina, and South Korea, where he traveled as part of his work for Kingsway. Ben was a member of Eagle Vision Church in Des Moines where he served as an elder and board member. Ben is survived by his wife, Eden of Ankeny; his children, Terry (Joelyn) Birmingham of Indianola, Becky (Mike) Carter of Saylorville and Marilyn (Devin) Parker of Portland, OR; his grandchildren, Tyler (Kelsey) Carter and Mackenzie Carter; his great-granddaughter, Ayla Carter; and his sister, Jeri (Monty) Fleenor of Savannah, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Amber Birmingham; his brother, William Thornley, Jr.; and his sister, Cris Thornley. A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Pleasantville Cemetery in Pleasantville, IA. A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall in Indianola. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kingsway University in memory of Ben. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com