ASHTABULA — Earl Harry Bennett, age 69, of East 44th St., died Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at the Ashtabula County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Kingsville.
He was born August 28, 1940, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the son of Lewis and Helen (Gano) Bennett and raised by his mother and father, Lewis Neason, after Mr. Bennett died when Earl was three years old. A lifelong Ashtabula resident, he graduated from Ashtabula High School in 1958 and promptly entered the U.S. Air Force before being honorably discharged after 4 years of service as a civil engineer.
A workaholic, Earl worked as a press operator for the Star Beacon from 1962 to 1969, but retired from Gabriel Performance Products (previously Occidental Chemical and Diamond Shamrock) in 2005. He worked over 31 years without missing a day before his heart surgery, then another 4 without missing when he returned.
Active in the Kingsville Presbyterian Church, he served as an Elder on Board and personally handled numerous fix-up projects. He was a master craftsman and woodworker, completing many projects in his home and for family and close friends, and enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife and a wide variety of music.
His survivors include his wife, Janet M. (Ferguson), whom he married May 19, 1962; three children, Darlene (Bruce) Jarvis of Cleveland, Richard (Teresa) Bennett of Memphis, Tenn., and Scott (Jenna) Bennett of Jefferson; six grandchildren, Brandy Thigpen, Boyd and Valerie Jarvis and Michael, Bobbie Sue and Anastassia Bennett; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Douglas (Lana) Bennett of Rootstown; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; grandson, Alan Maille; and grandson-in-law, Chris Thigpen.
A service will be held 11 a.m., Today, Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, at Greenlawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 3140 E. Center St. (Route 20), North Kingsville. The Rev. Bonnie Habbersett, Pastor of Kingsville Presbyterian Church, will officiate with Full Military Honors by the American Legion Post #103. Burial will follow.
No calling hours will be observed.
Contributions may be made to Kingsville Presbyterian Church.
DUCRO FUNERAL SERVICES AND CREMATORY, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula is in charge of arrangements. Obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.
