Edward Bennett

Edward Ed Leroy Bennett, resident of Ponca City, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Willow Haven Nursing Home in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. He was 78. Ed was born to James Ethan Bennett and Rosie Whitehead Bennett on November 9, 1929 in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He grew up in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and in his early teens he began his first job working for Marvin Blubaugh a local farmer. He was married to Thelma Mae Robbins on May 5, 1952 in Arizona, and to this union five children were born. During the 1950s he began working for Buttram Pipeline and later CBT Construction for ten years. In 1980, he became self employed and started Ed Bennett and Sons Dozer a bulldozing business. He and Audrey Tyler Stone were married in Arkansas City, Kansas on January 30, 2003. When he wasnt operating a bulldozer, Ed had many other enjoyments which included vegetable gardening, dancing and going to Tonkawa to play dominoes. He enjoyed the company of people and he loved his dogs. He also spent a lot of time at the river enjoying the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Audrey Bennett; children, Joyce Tautfest and husband, Rick of Red Rock, Oklahoma, Butch Bennett and wife, Cheryl, Sarah Sober and husband, David all of Ponca City, Roy Bennett and wife, Kandi of Elk City, Oklahoma and Tony Bennett and wife, Ruby of Marland, Oklahoma; two stepdaughters, Janet Dozier of Blackwell, Oklahoma and Shelly Olmstead of Wichita; one brother, Charles Bennett and wife, Sharon; thirteen grandchildren, Jered Bennett, Heather Bennett, Jeniece LaBon, Joy Regnier, Elizabeth Goodno, Sam Bush, Caleb Bush, Jenny Bush, Michelle Williams, Jessica Bennett, Michael Bennett, Tayler Bennett and Baylee Rhea; ten great grandchildren, Bradley Adkins, Dylan LaBon, Michael LaBon, Mackenzie Regnier, Garrett Regnier, Gracie Mae Williams, Brooklyn Parsons, Bailey Goodno, Kyler Bush and Kade Bush. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Thelma Bennett on January 5, 2000; one sister and one brother. Casket bearers for the service will be Michael Bennett, Josh Williams, Steve Wilson, Jered Bennett, Kenton Mirt and Charlie Myers. Honorary bearers will be Glenn Simmons and Garland Helems. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 18, 2008 at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Ponca City, with Reverend Chris Short of Ceres Christian Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 or to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 N. Union Suite 103, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601. The family will be at the home South of Ponca City.