Donald Earl Bennett, Sr. Obituary (2004

Donald E. Bennett, Sr., 82 of Bremerton passed away Sunday, July 25th, at Harrison Hospital. Donald was born in Eatonville, WA on Friday, April 28, 1922. He was the son of the late Sidney and Lavina (Newberry) Bennett. He was employed as an Environmental Health Specialist at the Kitsap County Public Health Department in Bremerton, WA. Donald retired from his job in 1978. He had previously been employed at the Enumclaw Creamery in Yelm, WA. Donald was the husband of Virginia F. Ross. They were married in Parkland, WA on February 16, 1946. Donald was a longtime member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Bremerton, WA. He served in WWII as a PFC in the US Army. He saw combat in Europe in two major campaigns as a rifleman in the 411th Infantry Regiment of the 103rd Infantry Division. Donald was responsible for the capture of 7 German prisoners of war. He was active in the Boy Scouts, as a Scout Master for 31 years. He touched the lives of over 300 boys. Donald also enjoyed photography and was a member of the F-67 club. He enjoyed lapidary (rock polishing) and raising dahlias. He was a member of the Gideon's. In addition to his wife, Donald is survived by his sons, Irwin (Judy) Bennett of Kalispell, MT, Brett (Joleen) Bennett of Federal Way, WA, Gordon (Margie) Bennett of Bonney Lake, and Donald (Kathryn) Bennett of Kent, WA; a sister, Helen Judd of Puyallup, WA; grandchildren, Nicole, Brittany, Sarah, Brendon, Beth, Kristina, Marilyn, and Laura. He was preceded in death by a sister and brother. A celebration of life will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 31st with Pastor Virgil Wood officiating. Graveside services will be held at Tahoma National Cemtery in Kent, WA on Monday, August 2nd at 12:30pm. Visitation will be held Saturday from 1pm-2pm at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Memorial donations can be made to Gideon's International (335 Callow Ave N, Bremerton, WA 98312) or to the Boy Scouts, or Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.