Benjamin David “Ben” Leible, a 25-year-old resident of Hillsboro, Illinois, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 4:12 p.m. He was found in a wooded area near his residence with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Montgomery County Coroner pronounced Leible dead at the scene. Prior to the discovery, Hillsboro police and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office were investigating an illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and had been searching for the purchaser, who they could
not locate. The authorities were notified that the subject might be in the wooded area near his residence, leading to the discovery of Leible's body.
Benjamin David Leible was born on February 25, 1997, in Springfield, Illinois, to Mark and Kim (Kutemeier) Leible, who both survive him. He was a lifelong resident of Hillsboro, graduating from Hillsboro High School in 2015 and attending Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Leible worked at Amazon and McDonald’s and was an active member of the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church, Celebrate Recovery at the Hillsboro Free Methodist Church, and Cross Over Ministry. He had a strong passion for sports, especially those involving a ball, and enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities.
Funeral services for Leible were held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Matt Ferguson, Rev. Randy Sands, Rev. C.J. Dyas, and Ruthie McCario officiating. Visitation took place on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the same church. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro.
Leible is survived by his parents, Mark and Kim Leible; his brother and sister, Andrew Leible and Cate Leible; his paternal grandparents, George and Reonna Leible; his maternal grandparents, Donald and Brenda Edwards and Roger and Janet Kutemeier; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and special great uncle and aunt, Jim and Char Modla.
Memorials in Leible's honor may be given to Celebrate Recovery at the Hillsboro Free Methodist Church, the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church, or Cross Over Ministry.
