Before shifting his focus to serving his community, Ben had a successful career in retail. He worked as a buyer and merchandise manager for Wilmington Dry Goods from 1970-1989 and then started his own business. From 1990-2005, he opened and managed a ladies clothing store, The Fashion Outlet. The Fashion Outlet had six locations from Wilmington to Fenwick Island.

After retiring, Ben joined the Outreach Committee at Christ Church in Greenville, DE. Fellow committee member, WFS alumnus, and Outstanding Service Award recipient in 2020, Tom Scott ’70, encouraged committee members to become more actively involved with various non-profit organizations in the area. Ben joined the Board of St. Michael’s School and Nursery; became a mentor and future Board Chair at the Cathedral Choir School; and serves on the Debley Foundation Board with his daughter Katherine Osbun Maki ’92 which funds global development and women’s empowerment initiatives. He also coordinates the collection and distribution efforts of donated items at Christ Church. Each month, parishioners are encouraged to bring in items to support one of the Outreach partners and Ben ensures the process runs smoothly.

Ben is also closely connected to WFS. In 1963, he asked his future bride, Carol Mumford Osbun ’66, to the Junior Prom. Carol and Ben have been married for 53 years and have lived in Alapocas for 42 years! Their daughters, Katherine Osbun Maki ’92 and Kelly Osbun Rubincan ’97, both graduated from WFS. Ben and Carol have continued to be involved with WFS throughout the years, hosting most of the Class of 1966’s reunion parties and serving as dedicated class agents. They were instrumental in the creation of an endowment fund in Memory of Duane Nash in honor of their 50th reunion and Ben participated in the Elder and Child program at the lower school. Ben is also a former WFS Trustee. WFS is grateful for all Ben has done for the school community, and proud to acknowledge his many contributions to numerous other non-profit organizations.