Charles A. Bennett's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Charles A. Bennett, age 96 of Charleston and formerly of Ashmore, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at his Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center home. Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2011 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Reverend Russell Stark officiating. Services will conclude with Masonic Rites conducted by the members and guests of Ashmore Masonic Lodge #390 A.F. & A.M. Burial will follow in the Ashmore Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday afternoon from 1:00 until Service time. It is requested that memorials in his honor be made to the Ashmore Presbyterian Church. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.Charles was born April 23, 1914 in Westfield, Illinois, the eldest of nine children born to the late Harry B. and Ada (Stillwell) Bennett. He married Hazel (Woodyard) Anderson on May 4, 1958 and they have been blessed with fifty-two years of marriage and friendship. Charles is survived by his loving wife Hazel; two brothers, Harvey Bennett of Chelsea, Michigan, Richard Bennett and wife Ruth Ann of Westfield, Illinois; two sisters, Opal Littlejohn of Chelsea, Michigan and Priscilla (Pat) Johnson of Decatur, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews and their families. Charles was preceded in death by two brothers, Frederic and H. Samuel, and two sisters, Louise and Irene.Charles attended the Greenwood School which was a one room schoolhouse now a historical site located on the E.I.U. Campus and was a graduate of Westfield High School. Charles, along with Ernie Doty, were owners of Bennett & Doty Garage, a successful business located at the Five-Points intersection in Charleston and a well-known and respected business in the Charleston, Ashmore and Kansas areas. As a faithful and devoted member of the Ashmore Presbyterian Church, Charles sang in the choir, served as an elder and deacon and was a member of several committees. He was also a fifty year member of the Ashmore Masonic Lodge #390 A.F. & A.M., a member of the Illinois Knights Templar Melita Commandery #37 and the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite. Charles and Hazel made their home in Ashmore, a community they loved and one in which they were vital participants. They were truly honored the year they were selected as Grand Marshals for the Ashmore Days celebration. Through the years they have cultivated many dear and life-long friendships. Among those friends are Phil and Joyce Watson, to whom their family will be forever grateful for the loving care which they have provided.
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