Stephen A Bennett

    Stephen A. Bennett age 82 of Colchester, passed away Friday, January 6, 2023, at his home in Colchester.  He was born September 4, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois, to Vincent (Bud) and Zelma Stephens Bennett.  Stephen was united in marriage May 12, 1967 in Bowen, Illinois, to Anita Miller, she preceded him in death February 1, 2017.

    Surviving to mourn his passing are 3 Sons; Evan L. (April) Bennett, Colchester, Eric G. (Tammy) Bennett, Alexis, Illinois, Stephen M. (Christina) Bennett, Lafayette, Indiana, 11 grandchildren Emily Bennett, Elizabeth Bennett, Ethan Bennett, Bethany (Joseph) Thompson, Brooke Tindall, Gracie Carson, Caitlin Bennett, Benjamin Vincent Bennett, Amelia Bennett, Seth Bennett, Samuel Bennett, 3 great grandchildren: Eisley Thompson, Emrie Thompson, Ettalie Thompson, 1 Brother: James V. Bennett, Ashland, Kentucky, 1 sister; Jenny Christine (Jack) Schoeninger, Grainger, Indiana, 1 brothers in law: Alan E. (Joanne) Miller, Maricopa, Arizona, 4 sister in laws: Claudia C. Eskridge, Alpha, Illinois Marilee DeVena, Cameron, Illinois, Kay Miller, Knoxville, Illinois, Kathy Miller, Galesburg, Illinois, along with countless nieces and nephews.

    Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Anita, 1 grand daughter, Chloe Alexis Bennett, 1 sister in law: Janice Bennett, 3 brother in laws: Daniel C. Miller, Carl A. Miller and Bill DeVena.

    Stephen served his country proudly in the United States Navy.  Stephen was a 1958 Colchester High School Graduate, he also graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science and his Masters in Education.  He started his teaching career at Bowen High School, then Grand Junction, Colorado at Fruita High School.  In 1970 he and Anita moved back to Colchester and he started at Macomb High School assuming the role as school Counselor until 2000. He then became the Counselor at Royals at risk schools in both McDonough and Hancock County.  Stephen had also been the Counselor at Spoon River College in Macomb.  He was a member of the Colchester United Methodist Church.  He loved to travel with his wife and family, enjoyed spending time working on the family farm.  He loved anything that involved being outdoors.  Stephens motto was quick to listen and slow to speak, with this had many students that he had a close bond to thru the years, he was always ready to help anyone, no matter the hour of the day.  Stephen had a sweet tooth and felt that dessert should be served first at meals.  He was a professional grandpa, proud is not a large enough word of how he felt about his wife, children and grandchildren. He was truly dedicated to his family.

    Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester, with Rev. Christina Bennett and Rev. Jim Clayton.  Burial will follow the services at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Colchester with military rites by the Macomb V.F.W. and Macomb American Legion.  Visitation with the family will be 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the Jones Mortuary.  Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home after 8:30 A.M. Tuesday till 7:00 P.M.  Memorial is to Royals Program. Condolences and memories can be expressed to the family at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

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