Edward F. Bennett, 89, of Springfield passed away Friday, April 11, 2014 at home surrounded by family.
He was born February 10, 1925, in Belvidere IL, son of Charles R and Florence L. Bennett. He attended public schools in Decatur, IL, graduating from Decatur High School in 1942. He graduated from Millikin University in 1955.
He married Isabel Jane Mahannah on May 4, 1947. He was a devoted husband and father to their two daughters, Cheryl Western and Debbie (Terry) Neathery, both of Springfield. He was the proud Grandpa of Jennifer (Rick) Hinds, Megan (Alan) Edmondson, Kristin (Pete) Trapp and Kara (Ken) Hinds. He was so proud to be "GP" to 6 great grandsons, Brandon, Jake and Justin Hinds, Alec Kennett, Kaden Hinds, and Elijah Trapp and 4 great granddaughters, Reese and Riley Edmondson, Kylie Hinds, and Addison Trapp. Ed was very proud of his entire family and enjoyed being a part of their activities. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles R Reynolds, Jr.
He was a member of Masonic Lodge Central Lodge No. 71 since 1953 and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Springfield since 1973. In March of 2012, he was awarded a certificate and medal as a Master Overseer. He belonged to the Telephone Pioneers and First United Methodist church. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and genealogy. He and Isabel enjoyed a number of national and international vacation trips.
Ed was an Army ambulance driver in Europe during WWII. He was awarded three overseas bands, American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with four bronze battle stars. He participated in Northern France, Andennes, Rhineland and Central Europe battle campaigns. In 2010, he had the great pleasure of taking the Honor Flight with other WWII veterans to Washington DC to visit the war memorials.
Ed retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1982 after almost 31 years of service. He served as Commercial Department Manager in Sterling-Rock Falls and Joliet. Prior to retirement he was involved in expense forecasting and analysis at the state level for the Commercial Department for Illinois Bell in Chicago. After retirement he worked for 15 years at Beuckima's Hardware in Naperville, IL. He and Isabel relocated back to Springfield in 1998.
Memorial Services will be held at Bisch Funeral Home West on Friday, April 18, 2014. Visitation will be at 10 am and Military Memorial services will begin at 11 am. Dr. Robert Swickard will officiate. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight or Shriner's Hospital for Children in St. Louis.
Please visit www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family..
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
April 19, 2014
Janet Western
What great pictures. Ed was very involved with your family. You all are blessed by such a wonderful man. I continue to pray for you. I love his history as a veteran. I'm glad I knew him.
April 17, 2014
MIke O'Connor
Jen and Megan,
So sorry for your lost, my prayers thoughts will be with your family.
Mike O'Connor
SIU
April 16, 2014
Clouser Family
Dear Debbie, Terry and Family: We are so saddened by the news that your father passed away, but also rejoycing that he will no longer be in pain and will be whole again. How wonderful he must feel now, dancing with Jesus! It doesn't get any better than that! Just know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers and if you need anything, please let us know. We love you guys! God's comfort and blessings to all of you! Deb, Frosty and Family
April 16, 2014
Debbie & family,
So sorry for your loss; sympathy to you and family.
love,
Joee
April 13, 2014
Sandy Burris
Thoughts and prayers Mrs. Bennett, to you and the girls and their families. He was a special, special person and touched the lives of many ! There is a big star shining down on all of us !
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