Gerald Eugene Bennett

Gerald Eugene "Gene" Bennett, 78, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him March 18, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Sollie and Jessie Mae (Tarkington) Bennett. He retired in 2007 from Navistar after 30 years of service. He was a devoted husband to his love, Nancy (Bradtmiller) for 61 years, who survives. He enjoyed coaching many different baseball teams and proudly coached the 1986 state champion district 10 baseball team. He also enjoyed building covered wagons, hunting and fishing with his sons and grandchildren and spending time with family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy (Bradtmiller) Bennett; children, Kimberly (Thomas) Vachon, Todd (Kim) Bennett, and Shawn Bennett; grandchildren, Nick (Erin) Vachon, Taylor (Cody) Rice, Jen (Travis) Boleyn, Brevin (Autumn) Bennett, Branden (Corrine) Bennett, Corey Bennett, and Faithlyn Bennett; great-grandchildren, Jake, Nash and Lake Vachon, Paislee Robinson, Jessie Mae and Cecilia Rice, Hudson and Halle Boleyn, Lincoln and Adalyn Bennett; Sisters, Arbula Crooks, and Debra (Dave) Fanning; brother- and sisters in-law, Dave and Sandy Bradtmiller. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Wallace and Mary Bradtmiller.

Funeral service is 1 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026, at Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven with visitation two hours prior (11am to 1pm). Burial will follow at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery in New Haven. Preferred memorials are to Emanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven. Online condolences may be shared at www.harperfuneralhome.com