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Major F. Paul Bennett

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Major F. Paul
"Pablo" Bennett
A social force of nature, decorated Korean War Veteran, distinguished jet fighter pilot and aviation pioneer, Pablo died peacefully July 10, 2012, at his family farm in Carrollton, Ohio, with his wife, Kim, friend John, and loving canine companion Belle by his side. He was born Oct. 16, 1932, in Alliance, Ohio, to Esther Heidman Bennett and Dr. Francis Paul Bennett. With the Class of ‘49, he graduated from Culver Military Academy. of which he spoke fondly of the discipline, leadership, and acrobatics he learned with the Black Horse Troop. Attending Dennison University he met Marjorie Bangs Harbaugh, the mother of his children. Bit by the passion to fly, he enlisted in the USAF in the Korean War where he flew combat missions in the 51st. Wing of the 39th Fighter Interceptor Group, later serving in Japan. In the Air Defense Command in Sioux City, Iowa he survived a midair collision. He flew in the Washington and Wyoming Air National Guard. After completing his degree at the University of Colorado in aeronautical engineering, he moved to Seattle to embark on a 34 year career with the Boeing Company. He traveled the world as a "pilot's pilot" training flight crews and in experimental flight tests. He loved to test fighter jets. Highlights included chief test pilot for Air Force One, and flying the Dash 80 to the Museum of Flight (after the plane sat in the desert 18 years). His happy-go-lucky antics thrilled thousands in air shows with his daring acrobatics in the F-86. He retired to a life of boating with wife, Kim, friends, children and grandchildren. He spent his later years at his beloved "Happy Hills" in Carrollton, living next to his brother Bill, where many a bon-fire, pig roast, canon firing, trail riding, bawdy song fests, storytelling and moon howling occurred (pianos beware). He was "the world's greatest test pilot" with an infectious smile and zest for life.
Preceded in death by his brother, William Bennett (children: Charles, James and Thomas). He is survived by his wife, Kim; sister, Jo Lea Rice (Charles, children: Ted, Karen, Chuck, Lizz); sister, Letty Plikerd (A.J., children: Eric, Laura. Amy Jo); his children: Robin Bennett (Scott MacDonald, children: Colin, Evan, Maren), Kristin Bennett (Scott Vandenberg, children: Emelyn, and Abigal), D. Paul "Pablem" Bennett (Shauna, children: Marlee and Allison).
Celebration of life at 10 a.m. July 28th., at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Wash., with graveside Military 21 Gun Salute Ceremony at Scott Cemetery, Carrollton, Ohio, Monroe Township, Antigua Rd. S.W. (CC 11) and Ranch Rd. S.W., Aug. 25th. at 2 p.m. Following the ceremony will be a small gathering at: 2225 Scroll Rd. S.W., Carrollton.
We are grateful for remembrances in his name to Culver Academies, Black Horse Troop, (www.culver.org).

Allmon Dugger Cotton,
330-627-2121

Published in The Times Reporter on August 3, 2012

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