Carl Bennett John C. Bennett

Our beloved and precious Carl entered into rest at his home surrounded by his family, June 15th. There is comfort knowing he is in a much better place, peaceful and carefree.

He was welcomed into this world April 25, 1935 to Jack and Etta Mae Bennett in Okemah, Oklahoma. Hardship fell upon his family and Carl worked from a very young age to help his family. In 1948 his family moved from Okemah, Oklahoma to Richland where he made the Tri-cities his home for the last 60 years.

He met his sweetheart Shirley Soapes while living in the same neighborhood. He would often drive by her family home while she was sitting on the front porch. One day instead of just driving by he got out to talk. In 1953 they were married and shared 54 years together. They raised four loving children together.

In Carl's younger years he was a Richland firefighter and then worked for Exxon Nuclear as a millwright. In his later years he owned and operated the Riverside Restaurant in Kennewick. Carl enjoyed everything he did and had an incredible knack for accomplishing anything he put his mind to. If it needed fixed grandpa could fix it! We could always count on him for anything.

Carl was a loving and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was loved by the many friends he made throughout his life. Carl loved his family and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play in sports. He loved kidding people. His family was the most important thing in his life. There will always be a special place within our hearts for him. We admired him for his wisdom, his strength and his love for each and every one of us.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of Pasco; son Dale Bennett and Pam of Richland; son Dana and Juney Bennett of Portland, Oregon; daughter Carla and husband Steve Ellingsen of Pasco; daughter-in-law Becky Bennett of Clarkston, Washington; daughter-in-law Patti Bennett of Kennewick; sister Bea and John Moser of Portland, Oregon; sister Nelda and Mike Steinert, of Wimberley, Texas; his very special life long friend Glenn Rowlette of Prosser and many wonderful nephews and nieces. . He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jack Bennett; son Martin Bennett and a granddaughter Anne Marie Bennett.

Carl was blessed with 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Tricia Klassen, Deanne Bennett, Patrick Bennett, Laura Bennett, Jamie Bennett, Jake Bennett, James Bennett, Lauren Bennett; Derek Ellingsen, Dana Ellingsen, Lexi Ellingsen, Lacey Ellingsen, Lyndsey Ellingsen and great-grandson Connor Ellingsen.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 21st at Einan's Funeral Home, located at 915 Bypass Highway in Richland, WA. A Celebration of Life will be held following service at 11907 Shoreline Ct in Pasco. map available at funeral service