Bobbie Eugene Bennett

Bobbie Eugene Bennett, age 95, of Orleans, passed away early on March 8, 2018 at home under the care of his dear family and hospice. Bob was born on July 10, 1922 in Orleans, Michigan the son of Roy and Elfrieda (Yeomans) Bennett. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII, traveling to Africa and other parts of the globe. He was a farmer for more than 90 years as he started with his own chores around age 5. His love for farming growing each year as he did with each new crop. He loved to work the earth and take care of all aspects of the farm, cutting wood up until just the last few years. Bob married Georgia Pearl Warfield on November 19, 1946 and shared 44 years of marriage with her prior to her death in 1990. He later married Virginia O’Donnell, who also preceded him in death. He was an avid hunter and a great storyteller. All who knew him were aware that John Deere was his tractor of choice.

The memory of Bobbie will be cherished by his dear children, Robert (Cyndi) Bennett of Orleans and daughter Beth (Mike Bledsoe) Perry of Orleans; grandchildren, Cassondra (Charles) Bennett Gloden, Robert Lee Bennett, Brandon Bennett; step-grandson Michael (Mary) Raby; grandchildren Richard Jason Perry and Aaren Robert Perry; 8 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and a ½ sister, Charlene Gorby. In addition to his parents, Roy and Elfrieda, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Clara Bennett, who had raised him following his mother’s unexpected death. Also waiting in heaven for him are his ½ brothers, Bert Bennett and Fred Bennett and ½ half-sisters, Florence Ward and Clarabelle Courser.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, March 13, at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809, Dallas Houghton Officiating. The family will greet visitors at 11:00 a.m. and the funeral will begin at 12 Noon followed by interment with Military Honors at Orleans Township Cemetery. Those wishing to express their sympathy are welcomed to consider a memorial contribution in Bob’s memory to the Veteran’s Memorial Wall in Belding or Lansing/Ionia Area Hospice.