Thomas Bennett
Godfrey |
Thomas M. “Tom” Bennett, 89, passed away at 4:15 am Wednesday August 24, 2011 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL.
He was born on March 1, 1922 in St. Louis, MO, the son of the late Matthew & Lillian (Martin) Bennett.
He married Lillian M. (Mickoff) on November 13, 1943. She survives.
Tom served his country in the US Navy during WW II from 1942 to 1945 as a Bomber Pilot in the South Pacific and obtained the rank of Lieutenant. He received the Navy Cross and Air Medal and he was a member of Alton VFW Post 1308.
He lived in the Alton and Brighton areas most of his life and was a former member of the 1st Congregation Church in Alton. He worked in construction as a Carpenter and Brick Mason for almost 50 years and was a member of Franklin Masonic Lodge AF&AM and enjoyed gardening and painting pictures.
He is survived by his wife, Lillian M Bennett of Brighton, three sons and two daughters-in-law, Thomas A. & Shonna Bennett of Hernanda, FL, Robert B. & Dorothy Bennett of Sidney, Australia, and Bruce M. Bennett and his fiancé Sheila Lopez of Brighton, IL; one daughter and son-in-law, Jo Ann & Wes Wright of Cape Girardeau, MO, and three grandchildren, Craig D. Hansen, Micah & Samantha Wright.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Ann Bennett.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Monday August 29, 2011 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey.
Military rites will be conducted by Alton VFW Post 1308 at 7 pm followed by Masonic services by Franklin Masonic Lodge AF&AM. Memorial services will be conducted by Rev. Don Long.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
