Don Bennett

Walter Donald Bennett – “Don” died unexpectedly last Wednesday evening in Bristol. He was 70. His loving wife Katherine remembers him as the happiest person she has ever known. “He had a special presence about him, and a unique way of making everyone feel special” she said. Don and Katherine adored each other, and enjoyed inviting friends and family over for summer bonfires on their property. Don’s winning smile, his helpful nature, kind manner, famous banana pudding, and his funny stories about cars and the good old days will be greatly missed.

Born on the 4th of July, 1940 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Don loved the fact that his birthday was on Independence Day! He was the son of Eva Leona (England) and Alfred Bennett, who were married on July 3, 1938 in Cumberland Gap. Don had nine sisters. The Bennett family left Kentucky, and moved to Mishawaka in 1951. Don attended Mishawaka High school, he was a member of the class of 1959.

Don loved cars, and claimed that he began driving at age 8. Don turned that passion into a career. In 1967, Don built Bennett Motor Company on Fir Road in Mishawaka. In 1982 he opened Don Bennett’s Beech Road Body Shop, in Osceola. Don was known for his superior workmanship and his vast knowledge of automobiles. Even after retiring to Bristol, he still operated Don Bennett Classic Restorations; proudly turning out classic cars restored to perfection. His motto was: “Attention to detail, makes the difference.” Car lovers will miss being able to consult Don for his expertise about any year, make, or model of car. Don loved old westerns, was an avid reader, studied politics, and was a history buff. He was particularly interested in genealogy, aviation, and World War II history. He enjoyed nothing more than a rousing discussion of these topics. Don was a member of Crystal Valley Missionary Church in Middlebury, The Bell County Historical Society, and as a private pilot, he was a former member of the Mishawaka Pilot’s Club. Don had recently been acknowledged as a Kentucky Colonel.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife, Katherine Hosler Bennett, whom he married on January 8, 1988 in Elkhart, his only daughter, Deanna Lynn Bennett (Christopher) Rodecki, and two grandsons, Andrew Bennett Hartman Rodecki and Evan Paul Rodecki, all of Elkhart. Don had two step children, Robert (Julie) Billingham IV of Noblesville, Indiana, and Victoria Billingham, currently in Seoul, South Korea. His family was the light of his life. Don was previously married to Georgiana (Vercolio) Bennett, his daughters mother from 1962-1973. Also surviving are Don’s sisters, Charlotte (William) Long of Elkhart, Mabel (Jay) Oswalt of Elloree, SC, Barbara Barnett of Tazwell, TN, Sarah Cain of Franklin, NC, Wilma Prater of Warren, MI and Agnes Palmer of Corvalis, OR, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a lifelong friend Robert Bussell of Cartersville, GA.

Preceding Don in death were his parents, and sisters, Beatrice Owens, Stella Hill, and Cleo Murray.

Friends may call from 5-8 pm on Monday, June 6, at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd. in Elkhart. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday June 7, at 11 am, with an hour visitation prior.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Middlebury Food Pantry. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.