Donald Bennett

Donald James Bennett, age 102 of Harmar Place, Marietta, Ohio, formerly of Harriettsville, Ohio since 1953, departed for heaven on Monday morning at 8:25 am. He died peaceably with his wife, Mabel, at his side. He was born in Cambridge, Ohio, June 13th, 1922, the son of the late Lee and Blanche Whissel Bennett.

He is preceded in death by one daughter, Linda (Don, deceased) Warner, and survived in addition to his wife Mabel, by three daughters, Sherry Shively (and friend Charlie), Judy (Bob) Parks, and Dawn (Dave) Michael. He has 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Don loved and was devoted to his wife and family. Don spent his childhood in Cambridge and after completing the 10th grade he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was sent to Idaho to build roads. He sent his earnings back to support his family. At the beginning of WWII he joined the US Marine Corps and fought in the South Pacific having some very close calls in battles. He served in Japan when the peace treaty was signed, returning home later.

Don returned to work at Burger Manufacturing in Canton, Ohio. Next, he worked as a brakeman with the Pennsylvania Railroad. During that time, he met Mabel and they were married in 1947. In 1953, they bought the store in Harriettsville, Ohio and raised their family there. Mabel ran the store and Don went to work at the Airolite Company in Marietta, retiring after 33 years. Don was instrumental in the installation of electric street lighting of Harriettsville. He started the local softball team and building of the playing field. He also served on the school board for several years.

Don was an avid golfer, but his passion was the church. He served as Deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years at Road Fork Baptist Church and even filled the pulpit as needed. He was concerned for the salvation of others, remained active in visitation and outreach until his age prevented him to continue. Later, Don and Mabel joined Twin Rivers Baptist Church where Don loved greeting people and visiting the nursery full of children.

The family will receive friends for visitation Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Twin Rivers Baptist Church, 110 DAV Road, Whipple, Ohio 45788. A Funeral Service will conclude visitation Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm, with Pastor Jeff Baumer officiating. Burial will follow in the Road Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, with military graveside honors conducted by the Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, Ohio 43724 has been entrusted to care for the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to the Twin Rivers Baptist Church Building Fund, 110 DAV Road, Whipple, Ohio 45788. Please join us in remembering Don by visiting his memorial at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net