Mr. Bennett was born May 7, 1935, in Cassville, the son of Ralph and Mildred Thomas Bennett. He was retired from EFCO Corporation in Monett, an Army veteran and a Baptist.
He married Charlene Poe on April 30, 1965, in Wheaton, and she survives.
Additional survivors include: one son, Gene Bennett and his wife, Laurie, of Rocky Comfort; three daughters, Cindy Rutherford, of Purdy, Cristy Bennett, of Phoenix, Az., and Carla Bennett, of Monett; two sisters, Nadean Merritt, of Purdy, and Evelyn Bowman, of Galena; one brother, Jim Bennett, of Purdy; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Marvin, Gary and Glendell Bennett; and four sisters, Wilma Lowe, Merilyn Hemphill, Mildred Rerrick and Betty Peak.
Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 13 at Buchanan Chapel in Monett with Rev. Jarel Burnside officiating. Burial will be in Arnhart Cemetery near Purdy un¬der the direction of Buchanan Funeral Home of Monett.
Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Hulston Cancer Center.
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