Benjamin Lowell Lichtenberg Sr.

Benjamin Lowell Lichtenberg Sr., 69, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at the Biloxi VA Medical Center Hospice. Born May 19, 1956, in Montgomery, AL, to Gordon & Dorothy Lichtenberg, Ben lived a life of service, courage, and heart.

A proud graduate of Radford High School, Ben was an accomplished athlete, finishing third in the Hawaii State Wrestling Championships in 1974. Shortly after, he began a distinguished 20-year military career, serving 4 years with USMC and 16 as a U.S. Navy SEAL. As one of the last members of Underwater Demolition Team 11, before it became SEAL Team 5, Ben carried the legacy of the original Frogmen with pride. His service also included assignments with SEAL Team 4 and the elite RED CELL unit, where he led international risk and threat assessments around the world.

Following his retirement, Ben continued his life’s mission of protection as a security consultant and instructor, working globally in executive protection, defense training, and risk management. His leadership and expertise earned him deep respect across the military and private security communities.

Outside of service, music was Ben’s soul. He began playing guitar at the age of five and built a lifelong passion for both electric and acoustic. Playing brought him peace and joy.

Ben is survived by his beloved mother, Dorothy Lichtenberg. He is also survived by his children, Kanani Krcek, Benjamin Lichtenberg Jr., and Josh Lichtenberg; and his cherished grandchildren, Logan, Mason & Milla Krcek, and Kyla Lichtenberg.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Lichtenberg; and sister, Lillian Edwards.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 12:00–5:00 p.m. at Good Mugs, 2104 Pleasure House Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Memorial donations may be made to the Navy SEAL Foundation www.navysealfoundation.org or the Melanoma Research Foundation www.melanoma.org

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Ben’s Navy SEAL Brotherhood for their unwavering love, generosity, and support in honoring his life and arranging his final journey. His spirit, strength, and song will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Benjamin Lowell Lichtenberg Sr.