Obituary for Gary Olen Bennett
Gary Olen Bennett
Springfield – Gary Olen Bennett, loving husband, father of two and grandfather of four, went to be with the Lord on October 23, 2020, in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 78.
Gary was born on July 6, 1942, in Bloomfield, Missouri to Mildred Mae and Jewel Olen Bennett. He graduated from Bloomfield High School where he played trumpet in the band. Gary went to Southeast Missouri State University on a trumpet music scholarship. In 1966 Gary enlisted in the Navy where he earned the National Defense Service Medal. He served on the USS Palm Beach and was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany. He received an honorable discharge in 1970.
Following his time in the Navy Gary furthered his education at Murray State University where he earned a Masters in Industrial Technology. While studying at Murray, he met his wife Patricia Louise Beaton. They married August 21, 1971 in Paducah, Kentucky. Following graduation from Murray, Gary started his teaching career at Towers High School in Atlanta, Georgia. From there, he began teaching in Berea, Kentucky where he and wife Patricia had their first daughter. They then moved to Springfield where they had their second daughter and Gary accepted a position at Missouri State University. He spent the remainder of his career at MSU where he taught photography, graphic design and printing, and retired as a professor emeritus.
Gary was a dedicated Christian and attended James River Church. He was an avid Cardinals baseball and MSU basketball fan. He loved classic cars and was a member of the Classic Chevy Club. His hobby was restoring his 1981 Corvette and he made many special memories taking his grandsons for rides.
Gary was preceded in death by his father Jewel and his mother Mildred. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia and his two children: Rachael (Eric) and Sarah (Rick). Gary is also survived by his four grandchildren: Jake, Chailsee, Garrett and Benjamin.
Gary’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at James River Church West Campus, 3953 W. Farm Road 168 in Springfield with a visitation to follow. A private burial at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery will precede the celebration service.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be sent to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members while serving our nation. If you do wish to send flowers, please deliver to James River Church West Campus at the aforementioned address.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.
Springfield – Gary Olen Bennett, loving husband, father of two and grandfather of four, went to be with the Lord on October 23, 2020, in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 78.
Gary was born on July 6, 1942, in Bloomfield, Missouri to Mildred Mae and Jewel Olen Bennett. He graduated from Bloomfield High School where he played trumpet in the band. Gary went to Southeast Missouri State University on a trumpet music scholarship. In 1966 Gary enlisted in the Navy where he earned the National Defense Service Medal. He served on the USS Palm Beach and was stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany. He received an honorable discharge in 1970.
Following his time in the Navy Gary furthered his education at Murray State University where he earned a Masters in Industrial Technology. While studying at Murray, he met his wife Patricia Louise Beaton. They married August 21, 1971 in Paducah, Kentucky. Following graduation from Murray, Gary started his teaching career at Towers High School in Atlanta, Georgia. From there, he began teaching in Berea, Kentucky where he and wife Patricia had their first daughter. They then moved to Springfield where they had their second daughter and Gary accepted a position at Missouri State University. He spent the remainder of his career at MSU where he taught photography, graphic design and printing, and retired as a professor emeritus.
Gary was a dedicated Christian and attended James River Church. He was an avid Cardinals baseball and MSU basketball fan. He loved classic cars and was a member of the Classic Chevy Club. His hobby was restoring his 1981 Corvette and he made many special memories taking his grandsons for rides.
Gary was preceded in death by his father Jewel and his mother Mildred. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia and his two children: Rachael (Eric) and Sarah (Rick). Gary is also survived by his four grandchildren: Jake, Chailsee, Garrett and Benjamin.
Gary’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at James River Church West Campus, 3953 W. Farm Road 168 in Springfield with a visitation to follow. A private burial at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery will precede the celebration service.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be sent to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members while serving our nation. If you do wish to send flowers, please deliver to James River Church West Campus at the aforementioned address.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.