Ronald D. Bennett, 84, of Marion, died at 4:15 pm on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at Marion General Hospital. He was born in Jenson, Kentucky, to the late Vernon Ray and Frances Mae (Goins) Bennett, Sr. Ronald married Helen M. Rose on August 29, 1951, and she survives.
Ronald honorably served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran, and he served as a volunteer for the Center Township Fire Department from 1971-1979. Ronald retired from General Motors in 1991, after 34 years of service. He also received the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel in recognition of his outstanding service. Additionally, Ronald was a member of the Samaritan Masonic Lodge, the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, the UAW, and NRA. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ronald will forever be remembered as being a loving family man and being a proud husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa.
In addition to his wife, Ronald is survived by his daughter, Alice (Ken) Carroll, Huachuca City, AZ; brother, Bruce (Mona) Bennett, Pineville, KY; and a sister-in-law, Betty Bennett, Marion. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Don (Laura) Fitzgerald, Normal, IL, Jeff (Lisa) Fitzgerald, Warsaw, Sheryl (Denny) Harlan, Warsaw, Kenneth Shane (Jeniffer) Carroll, Jr., Sierra Vista, AZ, Melinda Janine (John) Rexhausen, Murfreesboro, TN; great-grandchildren, Joshua Dean Fitzgerald, Jack Michael Fitzgerald, Riley George Carroll, Denny Joe Harlan, Benjamin Wesley Harlan, Shelby Lynn Harlan, Madilyn Rose Rexhausen, Sellice Mel Carroll, and one great-grandchild on the way; step great-grandchildren, Gabriel Michael Harlan and Andrew Donald Harlan; and a step great-great-grandchild.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by a daughter, Rhonda (Marty) Fitzgerald; brother, Vernon Ray Bennett, Jr.; and sister, Alice Mae (Denver) Woolum.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
A funeral service for Ronald will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2016, at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ronald’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, National Rifle Association, Lafayette-Jeff Psychology Club, or an organization of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.