Calvin Bennett

Calvin T. Bennett, 76, formerly of Elgin, IL., died at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home.A native of New York, he was born in Buffalo, NY on Feb. 6, 1935, the son of the late Austin & Wyvette (Patterson) Bennett. He graduated from Williamsville (NY) High School and attended Erie College Technical Insitute, and was a U.S. Navy veteran.Throughout his adult life, Calvin, as well as his time in the Navy, he utilized and honed his skills as a chef.  He had a passion for cooking, and owned and operated his own catering companies, and worked for various establishments, but retired in 2003 as the Food Service Director from St. Joseph's Hospital in Elgin.  It was shortly after his retirement, that he & his wife moved to Jerseyville, where they have made many friends and become loyal members of the First United Methodist Church.He married his wife, the former Beverly Clark on June 11, 1955 at the St. Paul's Catholic Church in Buffalo, New York, and they have been blessed with three children and 55 years together.Surviving are his wife; a son & daughter in law, David Calvin & Jan Bennett of Elgin; two daughters & sons in law, Barbara Joan & Mark Root of Jerseyville,  and Lynda Joan & Dave Simmons of South Elgin; seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two step sisters, Eelanor & Muriel.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville, with Revs. Mark Myers & Dennis Hill officiating.Jerseyvllle American Legion Post 492 will conduct military rites immediately after the services.Cremation will take place after services have been conducted.Memorials may be given to a fund to assist the family in erecting a permanent memorial bench to be erected at one of Calvin's favorite fishing holes.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home