Homer Lee Bennett, 59, son of Homer C. and Hazel M. Roberts Bennett, was born April 1, 1949, at Solo. He died Aug. 10, 2008, at his home at Willow Springs.
He grew up at Willow Springs, graduating in 1967 from Willow Springs High School. He received his bachelor’s in education and taught seventh and eighth grade social studies at Willow Springs Middle School.
After 31 years teaching, he retired and was social service coordinator at the Kabul Nursing Home for six years.
Mr. Bennett acted and directed several plays for the Willow Springs High School drama department and the Willow Springs Theater Guild.
He belonged to several organizations but was especially fond of the Cabool Kiwanis, Willow Springs Theater Guild and the Missouri National Education Association.
He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church, where he participated in the church choir until illness prevented him from doing so.
He enjoyed working in his flower garden, taking care of stray cats and skunks that congregated in his yard. He especially enjoyed his daughters and could curl hair, match clothes, cook, bake and play dress up.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Juanita Moore.
Surviving are his wife, Pamela Lou Coatney Bennett; daughters, Nicki Bennett Johnson of San Antonio, Texas, Karina Bennett of Mountain Grove and Courtney Bennett of Willow Springs; son, Michael Hardman of Willow Springs; brother, Dale Bennett of Houston; sister, Kay Miller of Houston; two grandchildren and his dog, Trixie.
Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Willow Springs with the Rev. Joel Hines officiating. Burial is in the Willow Springs Cemetery.
Visitation is 6 to 8 o’clock Friday evening at the Willow Funeral Home.
