Clarence W. “Ben” Bennett, 63, of Mt. Vernon died March 13, 2006, at 1:20 a.m. at his home.

He was born October 10, 1942 in McLeansboro, Illinois a son to Rev. Clarence M. Bennett and Mamie M. (Crawley) Bennett.

He married Henrietta Sue Laswell on September 28, 1962 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

He worked as a VW Mechanic at various garages in Mt. Vernon.

Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Hopewell Cemetery. Members of Mt. Vernon American Legion Post #141 will conduct Full Military Honors. Burial will be at Hopewell Cemetery in Jefferson County, Illinois. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Ben is survived by his wife, Henrietta Sue Bennett of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; two Daughters, Kelly Chronister and husband Jarod of Mt. Vernon, Illinois and Stacy Shepler and husband Dennis of Port Richey, Florida; three Grandsons, Levi Bennett, D. J. Shepler and Cody Shepler; two Sisters, Juanita Pace and husband Larry of Mt. Vernon, Illinois and Pauline Mick of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

His parents, and one Grandson: Blade Bennett preceded him in death.

Ben was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War serving from 1966 to 1972, was a member of the Mt. Vernon American Legion Post #141, the Mt. Vernon Eagles Aerie Lodge #2791, V.F.W. Post #1376 and the Jefferson County Gun and Sportsmans Club.

Date: March 13, 2006
Submitted by: Ken Richardson