Jack Karlyle Bennett

BENNETT Rev. Jack Karlyle Bennett departed this life Thursday, January 21, 2010 in New Braunfels, TX. Born August 10, 1928 in Dallas, TX he was a land man for Pure Oil Company and subsequently owned an abstract business in Palestine, TX prior to attending Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1958 and in 1964 received a Masters in Theology. During his years in the ministry, he served installed pastorates at First Church, Homer LA, First Church Galveston, TX where he was named Pastor Emeritus, and First Church Corpus Christi, TX from which he retired in 1993. While in Galveston he also served as pastor at High Island Presbyterian Church. Following his "retirement" Jack served as Interim Pastor/Head of Staff at First Church El Dorado, AR; First Church Longview, TX; First Church Shreveport, LA, St. Philip Presbyterian Church Houston, TX; and First Church McAllen, TX. Jack also wrote In The Morning Light, a book based on his expository sermons. While in Homer, Jack led in developing the Evergreen Presbyterian Vocational School for the Mentally Retarded. From 1965 to 1969, Jack served the Presbytery of Brazos (now New Covenant) as Church Extension Executive during which time he also directed Operation Outreach, recruiting and training young adults who volunteered two years of service to persons in need and spreading the gospel. Jack served on the General Council and as Chair of the division of international missions on the General Assembly Mission Board. In 1983, he was awarded the Austin Seminary Award (ASA) for Service for his distinctive ministry and significant contributions to the Presbyterian Church in Louisiana, Texas and the world. Jack was known for his outreach to young adults, nurturing, challenging and calling others to the ministry. Influenced by his ministry, in 1981 Austin Seminary noted that at this time more than 25 persons, men and women, had committed themselves to the full time service of Christ through the Church. He was predeceased by his wife of more than fifty years, Gloria Elizabeth ("Liz") Bennett, and a daughter, Carla Ann Kerola. He is survived by five daughters and their spouses, Kathy Hawkins (Bruce) of Blythewood, SC, Karen Whitburn of Dickinson, TX, Gloria Morse (Mike) of Canyon Lake, TX, Lisa Antry (Steve) of Tulsa, OK, and Laurie Wesorick (Rob) of Redmond, WA; son-in-law, Jon Kerola (Dreama) of Lakeville, MN, twelve grandchildren and their spouses; Jeffrey and Brittany Hawkins, Dawn Whitburn Bassett, Matthew and Timothy (Sharon) Morse, Lauren Robinson, Liz Antry, Charlie and Elizabeth Wesorick, Greg and Ryan Kerola, Rob (Michelle), Greg (Tanya) and Pete (Lisa) Bonahoom and great grandchildren, Kristina and Jack Morse. The family will be receiving friends on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Seaside Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 11:30 at First Presbyterian Church Corpus Christi.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Liz and Jack Bennett Scholarship Fund, Austin Seminary, 100 E 27th St., Austin, TX 78705 or the Haiti Education Foundation, 1801 W. Block, El Dorado, TX 71730. To view guestbook, share memories and leave condolences please visit www.seasidefuneral.com