Peoria - Robert Bruce Bennett, 69, of Peoria passed away at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2014 at his residence with his family by his side. He fought valiantly for over twelve years against colon cancer.
Bruce was born July 16, 1944 in Caruthersville, MO, the son of Virgil and Lillian Henson Bennett.He married Karen Burton Bennett on May 29, 1970.
He is survived by his wife of forty-four years; three sons, Christopher (Karla) Bennett of Rapid City SD, Todd (Anna) Bennett of Morton, and Corey (Andrea) of Merrill, WI; six grandchildren: Jacob, Nathanial, Logan, Samuel, Maximus, and Amelia; two brothers, Joe Bennett of Williamsfield, and Chuck (Marta) Bennett of Princeville; stepmother, Yvonne Bennett of South Pekin; stepbrothers, Danny (Shelly) Smith of Kewanee and David Smith of Williamsfield; stepsisters, Tina Hogsett of Hanna City, and Tammy (Jody) Stevens of Williamsfield.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Vernon Bennett.
He attended Manual High School. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1966-1968.After military service he worked at Caterpillar for thirty years retiring in 1999.He also had his own income tax business for more than twenty years.When his sons were young, he coached in the Limestone area little league and biddy basketball programs.He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and dreamed of playing for the Cardinals in his youth.
A special thank you to Dr. Michael Veeder and staff for the care, compassion, and hope they gave Bruce over the past twelve years.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 from 3-6:00 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel .Cremation rites will be accorded.A private committal service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easter Seals, St. Jude, Illinois CancerCare.
To view Bruce’s memorial page or leave an online condolence please go to www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.
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