"Ruth, Our connections go back a long time, from FCC and QHS to the loss of siblings, parents and now your beloved spouse of 60 years. Today in sorrow, my heart aches for you and your beautiful family. Tomorrow in hope, I know your Faith will keep you strong."
In loving memory of
Donald L. Bennett
September 26, 2018
Donald L. Bennett, 80, of Quincy, died Wednesday morning in Blessing Hospital.
Don was born on February 1, 1938, in Quincy, the son of Frank and Hilda (Gillhouse) Bennett. He married Ruth E. Dulaney on August 15, 1958, at Vermont Street United Methodist Church in Quincy. She survives.
Don attended the Quincy Public Schools, participated in the instrumental music program playing the baritone, and played varsity tennis including state tournament appearances. He graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with special honors in 1960 after having attended Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri.
After graduating, he began working as an accountant with Price Waterhouse in Peoria, and in 1969 he passed his CPA exam. In 1961 he joined the Quincy accounting firm of Bertgolio & McNaughton, which was later renamed and continues to operate as Bennett & Middendorf Ltd. Don was its long-time President.
Don continued to play tennis recreationally, participating in club tennis matches and occasional tournaments. He was a life-long fan of the Fighting Illini football program at the University of Illinois, which was challenging in recent years, and an enthusiastic spectator of all football, basketball, tennis and golf. He had been a member of Vermont Street United Methodist Church since his youth.
In addition to his wife, Don is survived by four children, Curt (Stephanie) Bennett, Debbie (John) Ernst, Kathy (Hal) Oakley, all of Quincy, and Julie (Jim) Southwick of Wildwood, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Alexandria Ernst, Christopher Bennett, Olivia (Chad) Ernst Duncan, Bennett Oakley, Erica Ernst, Abigail Oakley, Allen Oakley, Dulaney Bennett, Kaitlyn Southwick, Erin Southwick and Audrey Southwick; a brother, Mac Bennett; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Steve (Janet) Dulaney, Kent (Maxine) Dulaney, David Dulaney, and Glenda Bennett; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard Bennett; parents-in-law, Douglas and Melba (Otto) Dulaney; a sister-in-law, Margaret Bennett; a brother-in-law, Don Dulaney, and his wife, Sue Dulaney; and a sister-in-law, Claudette Bennett.
Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 6, 2018, in Vermont Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Patty Johansen officiating.
Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018 at Hansen Spear Funeral Home
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery.
Memorials: Vermont Street United Methodist Church and the Quincy Public Schools Foundation Dream Big campaign.
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen Spear Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Ruth, Our connections go back many years from FCC and QHS to the loss of siblings, parents and now your beloved spouse of 60 years. Today in your sorrow, my heart aches for you and your beautiful family. Tomorrow I know your Faith will keep you strong. ."
"My condolences to family and friends. May you all know peace at this difficult time."
"So many wonderful memories. God be with your family in this sad time."
"Don was a good family friend. We will miss his companionship and quick wit. Wishing him a good journey onto his next adventure."
"Great family friend, we will miss his companionship and quick wit. He will be missed and wishing him a great journey on to his next adventure."
"Wishing the Bennett family love and peace."
"So very glad I saw you last Thursday on the 20th at the hospital Ruth. I was unaware of his physical struggles. You had a marriage to be proud of which will give you many happy memories."
"Don will be missed by all of his high school classmates. May he now Rest In Peace."
"Dear Bennett Family, Thinking of you--------------- Dick & Pat Wentura"
"Ruth, You and your family have our deepest sympathy. Ray and I regret that we will not be able to attend the service as we are in Arizona until mid October. You will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"With my deepest sympathy. I will always remember being with you and Don at Resivor Park to cheer on our grandsons at QHS tennis. He was a fan to the end and will truly be missed by you and your family."
"Dear Bennett family, We add our sincere condolences to you as you carry on Don?s meaningful heritage. Best wishes and God?s Blessings"
"Ruth you and your family have our families deepest sympathy for your loss of Don. I have many good memories of him as I was growing up. God Bless..."
"Don was part of the first company I worked for fresh out of college. He was always patient and kind with me as I was learning the ropes. Thank you Don for having faith in me. May you rest in peace."
"Rest in peace Mr. Bennett."