Pastor Sidney E. Bennett: 1935 – 2009
Pastor Sidney E. Bennett, 74, a resident of Fort Wayne, was pronounced dead on arrival on Friday, June 19, 2009 at 9:00 p. m. at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne after suffering an apparent heart attack at the family residence in Washington Township.
Pastor Bennett was born on February 27, 1935 in Evansville, a son of Sidney and Deloris (Gentry) Bennett, and spent his formative years in Oakland City, Indiana. A man having three different careers, he served his country for 20 years in both the U. S. Marine Corps and the U. S. Army Reserves. Employed as a safety engineer at General Motors in Martinsburg, West Virginia for 13 years, he retired from there in 1981.
At age 47 he answered God’s call to the ministry, and attended Boyce Bible College at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He served two churches, the last being New Hope Community Church in Fort Wayne, retiring from there there . He was later asked to return to the church, and had been its pastor emeritus for the past four years.
He had received the U. S. Army Commendation Medal for outstanding meritorious service as a citizen soldier of the U. S. Army Reserves, whose service was characterized by selfless dedication and great personal commitment during the period from May 4, 1983 to May 10, 1993. His contribution greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the “Ready Reserve.”
On April 18, 1958 he was married in Dade County, Florida to Naomi J. Caskey. She survives.
Other surviving relatives include his two daughters Noell [Dennis] League and Heather [Steven] Milom, both of Fort Wayne; three sisters Pat [Don] Umbach of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Barbara Blair and Pam Hatfield, both of Evansville; five brothers Samuel Price of Lafayette, William Hoover and Mike [Patsy] Hoover, both of Oakland City, Ind., Norman [Brenda] Hoover of Haubstadt, Ind., and Joe [Debbie] Hoover of Francisco, Ind; sister-in-law Jennifer (Hugh Howell) Caskey; and four grandchildren Hannah Stuckey, Zachary Nowak, Lindsey Milom, and Shaylee Milom. His parents both preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p. m. Tuesday, June 23, 2008, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 7810 St. Joe Center Road, Fort Wayne, with Pastor Tim Franklin, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Monday from 5 to 8 p. m., or at the church after 11 a. m. Tuesday until the hour of the service.
Interment with military graveside rites will be in the Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to New Hope Community Church, c/o Rozanna Niman, 1725 Kinsmoor, Fort Wayne, IN 46801.
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To leave a condolence for the family in memory of Pastor Bennett, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
June 21st, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Dear, Naomi, Noel Dennis and Hanna, Heather Steve Linsey and Shaylee. And all from New Hope Community Church.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
From your friends
Chris, Taresa, Ashley and Kyle Gilbert
June 21st, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Dear Heather, Zach and Family,
I was so saddened to learn of your loss. I could hear the love in your voice when you spoke of your dad, Heather. You are in my prayers and my thoughts now and in the hours ahead.
With sympathy,
Ms. Laurie
Timber Ridge Learning Center
June 21st, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Dear Naomi and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Pastor Sid meant alot to all of us, and we all have our own special memories. I wish we could come to the services but we unfortunately are unable. We will remember all the special times we shared and keep them close in our hearts. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call any time, we love you all.
May God Bless you and give you strength.
All our Love, Paula, Christine, Heather, Brayden, and LeRoy Custer / Jeff and Sherry Hanshew
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 am
Dearest Naomi and Family,
The world has lost a great man but heaven has received a true servant. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sid will be missed by us as a brother in Christ and friend.
I’m sure he is in heaven talking to the Saints and saying “Now let me tell you something …!!!”
…And God is saying “Well done good and faithful servant”
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Merle & Gyngr McGee
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:07 am
To The Bennett Family – Please rest assured that we are here to walk beside you as you journey through this difficult time in the next few days and in the days ahead. Jeanine and I, as well as our staff convey our fondest wishes and deepest sympathy to all of you.
Greg Childs
July 25th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Dear Naomi and Noel,
Sorry to hear about Pastor Bennett.He will be greatly missed.
My family and I were not able to make it to the calling and service. My mother ( Margery Thompson) has been ill with bladder tumors and vertigo where she get dizzy very easy and then nauseated so she don’t go too many places and we can’t leave her alone.She lives with us.You know God will be with you always and take care of you.
Christian Love to the family:
Jennifer Hakes and Margery Thompson
1933 Sinclair St.
Fort Wayne,Indiana 46808