Paul Gale Bennett, 83, son of Boyd and Ruth Stover Bennett, was born Feb. 7, 1924, at West Plains. He died Sept. 10, 2007, at his home at Houston.
He grew up in the West Plains and Peace Valley areas and served in the U.S. Army Air Force from April 1943 to February 1946.
He married Lois June Jennings Nov. 20, 1943. They had two daughters.
Mr. Bennett was a civic leader and businessman for many years. He and his wife owned Bennett’s Shoe Store for 36 years. They sold the business in 1990. He also owned businesses in Cabool, Licking and Springfield and was involved in the manufacturing of Kangaroo Shoes.
He loved the City of Houston and was involved with the growth and development of the community. He served on numerous boards, was executive director for the Houston Housing Authority for seven years and executive director of economic development for the city.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church for many years and a 50+ year Mason.
Mr. Bennett was a people person, enjoying visiting with his customers, at the donut shop, at the drug store and walking down the street.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years; his oldest daughter, Sharon Cheek; his parents; and three brothers, Jr., Dale and Max Bennett.
Surviving are his daughter, Susan Bennett of Brentwood; two sisters, Doris Sharp of Springfield and Anita Reavis of West Plains; one grandson and one great-granddaughter.
Services are 10 o’clock Friday at the United Methodist Church in Houston with the Rev. Tom Tomlinson officiating. Burial is in the Pine Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
The body will lie in state from noon to 6 o’clock today (Thursday) at the Evans chapel.
Memorials may be made to Community Hospice, the United Methodist Church in Houston or Texas Lodge No. 177 AF and AM.
