Clarence Bennett

Clarence Joseph Bennett was born November 11, 1928, the youngest child of William Harrison and Jessie Ann (Douglas) Bennett. Clarence was born on a farm southeast of Kirkville, Iowa, in Richland Township, Wapello County.  He passed away at home with family members around him. 

Clarence enlisted in the 5th Army in 1946 and served until May 1949. He was stationed in Germany for thirty-two months.  He was again called up in September 1950, for the Korean War and was discharged in October 1951.  During this last tour he served with the 728 Military Police. 

Clarence was employed by the Maytag Company for over 34 years, retiring at age 62. He also worked for the Vermeer Manufacturing for two years, was an independent carrier for the Newton Daily News for 18 years, worked a short time for the Pinkerton Agency, Meals on Wheels and drove a cement truck for Pella Construction.  He retired completely at age 85. He belonged to UAW997.

Clarence enjoyed farming, woodworking and was a shade tree mechanic. He also liked playing softball and sledding with his children in their younger days.

He was married to Hazel Weeks in 1950, and they were blessed with eight children.  Those left to cherish his memory are daughters:  Lois (David) Clark of Colfax, Sandra (Jim) Snodgrass of Kellogg, April Bennett of Knoxville, and Brenda (Mark) Schaper of Newton; sons: Terry Bennett, of Newton, Wesley Bennett of Newton, and Marty Bennett of Martinsburg. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren: Chass (Melissa) Bennett, Connor and Ryan; Brandy (CC) Snodgrass; Nathan and Jordan Cowman, Hope (Joshua) Parks; Scott Snodgrass, Kirk (Domonique) Snodgrass; Autumn and James: Joel (Jana) Snodgrass; Senta: Travis (Hannah) Snodgrass; MaCaeyla, Mackenzey, Brynnleigh, Travis and Haedyn: Lee (Emily) Blythe, Forrest (Josphine) Blythe, Joe Bennett; Cade, Tyce and Josie: Nick Bennett; Izaiah Ulrey: Joshua Bennett; Veronica, Felix, Juanita and Dora: Danielle Bennett; Daphne and Ezekiel Lamb: Jesse Bennett, Kya Bennett: Matthew (Brooklin) Bennett; Trinity: Bruce Bennett; Paisley and Reese: and Adam (Jessica) Bennett. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Lela Bennett along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, sister LaVerna Sawyer; brothers: Robert and Marion Bennett; son in infancy Scott Joseph Bennett, and great-grandson in infancy Bentley Joseph Snodgrass.  Also preceding him in death was his special friend Joyce Lester. 

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