Charles "Chuck" Bennett

1933 - 2024

Charles "Chuck" Bennett

1933 -2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Charles "Chuck" Bennett, announce his passing.

Chuck was a hardworking man of honor. He was born in 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to James and Dorothy Crawford Bennett, joining his older brother and best friend, Bert. His mother later married Reginald McCanham, who also had two sons. Together they would add another 11

children to the family . Chuck attended schools in Michigan, and loved playing ball with his brothers, ice skating, swimming, and being part of a large family.

In 1948, at the age of 15, he convinced a recruiter he was 17, and joined the Army. He often spoke about getting a paycheck and a full belly, along with the feeling of life being good.

Bert had joined the Army just two weeks earlier, and they had the good fortune of being stationed together for their first few assignments. Unfortunately, the Korean War was on the horizon and they would soon part ways. Chuck's orders were for the Chosin Reservoir, and as he would often say, it was a "hell hole" of the greatest proportion. It was the coldest winter in over 100 years, with temperatures 35 degrees below zero. His days and weeks were filled with hunger, fear, frostbite, and pain. He was wounded, and would carry the physical scars for the rest of his life. However, as other veterans know, the war would eventually end but the battle would go on.

Chuck proudly served 22 years in the military, first in the Army and then 20 years in the Air Force. During his career he was awarded the Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Air Force Good Conduct Medal with OLC, Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with OLC, and Good Conduct Medal with 3 OLC.

Tech Supply Sergeant Bennett, retired to Lebanon in 1970. He later worked as a carpenter and at Champion International, both of which he enjoyed.

It was in Lebanon that he met the love of his life, Jannie Craig. They would marry and spend the next 48 years, traveling, collecting friends, making memories, and enjoying life on the river.

Chuck was active in Mennonite Disaster Relief, American Legion, Lebanon IOOF,

LOVE Inc, Oregon Chapter of the Chosin Reservoir, Elks Lodge, South Lebanon Improvement District, Lebanon Mennonite Church, Boy Scouts, Lebanon Cemetery Board, Mennonite Central Committee, the Splinter Pickers coffee group, and Kenny's Coffee Club.

He was also an amazing waterskier, and enjoyed travel, bowling, softball, fishing, hunting, trips to the casino, black cherry ice cream, and a good cup of coffee alongside an apple fritter.

Chuck is survived by his wife Jannie, sons, Steve and Jack(Sharon), daughters, Sandy(Don), Lesa (Clyde), Amanda (John) and Synthia (Ric), brothers Frank, Tom, Reggie, Russ, and sister, Patty, along with numerous and much loved grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, 1 sister, and 9 brothers including his brother Bert Bennett, who was killed in action in Korea.

Chuck's service will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Lebanon Mennonite Church.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Chuck and Jannie Bennett Memorial Scholarship, at Lebanon High School, Mennonite Disaster Relief, or the charity oyour choice, and be sent to Huston Jost Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank their many friends and extended family for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We all feel very blessed to have been able to share life's

journey with such a kind, thoughtful, and amazing man.