William Dean Bennett

Leaving a legacy of strength, leadership and devotion, William Dean Bennett, 105, a lifelong resident of Windsor, IL went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 19, 2022.  

Dean was born on November 2, 1916, in rural Windsor, the son of Fred and Louetta (Clem) Bennett.  He was a 1934 graduate of Windsor High School.  He then proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a WWII veteran.  Dean married the love of his life, Edith Blondell Paulson, on August 21, 1941, in Maplewood, MO, and were blessed with 70 years of marriage before her passing on December 25, 2011. 

Dean was a faithful Christian, a loving and attentive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a loyal son, brother and respected friend.   Together, Dean and Blondell, owned and operated Bennett Tire on Maine Street in Windsor for many years.  They believed strongly in supporting their local community and giving back to ensure that they would leave it a stronger place than they found it.   

An exemplary patriarch of his family, Dean was most proud of his children:  Bill (Linda) Bennett of Windsor, Bob (Linda) Bennett of Strasburg and Bonnie (John) Powers of Windsor; his nine grandchildren:  Eric (Amanda) Bennett of Clearwater, FL, Brian (Sally) Bennett of Freeport, Brigit (Chad) Smith of Stewardson, Josh (Mindy) Bennett of Springfield, Jill (Keeley) Rodgers of Charleston, Steven (Wendy) Bennett of Charleston, Alex (Brenna) Powers of Decatur, Lindsey (Ben) Richter of Sullivan and Megan (Doug) Henness of Mattoon and his 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Louetta Bennett; wife, Blondell Bennett; brothers:  Glenn Bennett and Leo Bennett and sister, Dorene Waggoner.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, in the Windsor Christian Church with Pastor Patrick Fahey and Pastor Richard Eident officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.   Burial will take place in Ash Grove Cemetery with military honors by the Windsor American Legion Garrett-Baldridge Post 725.  Memorials may be made to Windsor Christian Church or Windsor Storm Memorial Library.  Lovins-Lockart Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful, loving care Dean received the last five-and-a-half-years of his life while he resided at Courtyard Estates in Sullivan.

Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.

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