Harry A. Bennett Jr.'s Obituary
Harry A. Bennett, Jr., age 87, of Bellbrook, passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, at Miami Valley Hospital.
Harry honorably served in the United States Navy during Vietnam as an airplane captain. He retired from General Motors. Active in church, he formerly served as a deacon and usher at the Bellbrook Community church. In addition, he was a member of the Bellbrook Lions Club, where he was their chaplain.
Always the jokester, Harry was giving, loving, helpful, and family-oriented. He loved to tell stories and would often be encouraged to keep talking the more people found him entertaining. He greatly enjoyed playing golf, hunting, working jigsaw puzzles, and sports. He was a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the UD Flyers, but watching his grandchildren play was always a priority. It became a tradition for Harry to watch the Army/Navy football game each year with his grandson, which was something Harry looked forward to. He also enjoyed NASCAR, which led to creating a model race car collection. He even enjoyed a trip to North Carolina once to go through the NASCAR experience, where he could drive a car on the track. Growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania, Harry always had a love for horses and would often visit Amish Country in Ohio with his wife. The family will never forget the holidays hosted by Harry and Kathryn and all the memories made during those occasions. Harry and his wife traveled extensively via the AAA bus tours during his retirement. Some of his favorites were a trip to Nova Scotia and several trips to Branson. Among many things, he will be remembered for his dedication and service to our country and the pride he had in the United States Navy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mildred Bennett; three brothers, Robert, Alex, and Elmer Bennett; and three sisters, Vivian Forrest, Jean McCormick, and Verla Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathryn; two sons, Scott (Ev) Bennett and Doug (Michelle) Bennett; daughter, Crystale (David) Soult; six grandchildren, Cason Bennett, Ryan (Tiffani) Soult, Ashley (Roy) Green, Brandi Soult, Jessica Bennett, and Andrea (Cody) Kalbfleisch; seven great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mildred Forrest.
The family will receive friends from 4 - 6 PM Wednesday, March 27, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation on Wednesday at 6 PM. A committal service with full military honors will commence at 9 AM on Friday, March 29, at the Dayton VA Cemetery. Condolences at www.connerandkoch.com.
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