Jack I. Bennett

Jack Bennett, age 88 of Purcell, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2012 in Norman. Jack was born on Sept 11, 1923 in Wayne, Oklahoma, the 4th of 9 children born to Jot J. and Jessie (Banister) Bennett. In 1941 he graduated from Wayne High School and joined the Civilian Conservation Corp to construct Lake Vallecito in SW Colorado. Jack joined the United States Army Air Force and served his country proudly during World War II. While in the Army, he trained as a radio operator and waist gunner. He flew 51 missions in B 24's in the European Theater and was very proud that the commander of the 451st Bombardier Group personally requested him to fly the extra mission. He returned home after the war and in 1947, Jack married Wilma Qualls of Lexington, and with whom he lovingly spent the next 65 years. Jack served 30 years as a U.S. Postal Service employee and then 14 years as a State Highway worker. He also worked part-time as a rancher and farmer on their farm located near Blanchard, Oklahoma. In 1997, Jack retired and he and Wilma settled back in Purcell. Jack was a member of the First Baptist Church in Purcell and remained active in his local church activities, Veterans Groups, and several union activities where he often volunteered. His dedicated and well-meaning service to family, friends, and church will surely be missed by all. He was preceded in death by: Son, Roger Brian Bennett, His parents, Jot and Jessie Bennett, Five sisters, Elmo Porter Helton, Alda Mae Diggs, Norma Phyllis Reed, Daisy Lou Ballard and Wilma Jean Hanner of Wayne and A brother, Jot William Bennett. He is survived by: His wife, Wilma Bennett of the home; Son, Keith Bennett and wife Betty of Littleton CO, Daughter, Cherie Pope of Oklahoma City OK, 5 grand children, Kathy Pope Marsh and husband Jerrod and David Pope, all of Norman; Chris Bennett, Matthew Bennett, Rebecca Bennett Barvinchak and husband Jed of Colorado; 2 great-grand children Chase and Cole Barvinchak of Colorado. 2 sisters; Patricia McGowen and husband Butch of Purcell and Sue Toy and husband Jim of Burlington, Kansas. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at the Wilson-Little Chapel. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery.

Jack I. Bennett

September 11, 1923 - July 14, 2012