Robert "Bob" L. Bennett

Robert "Bob" L. Bennett, 78, of Wilbur, left this world on Thursday, February 9, 2023, while in the comfort of his home. He was born the oldest of eight children in Washington, D.C. on May 3, 1944, to the late James Alger and Rosa "Roberta" (Neyhart) Bennett. On April 4, 1964, he married the love of his life, Nancy Ross, in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Aurora, IN.

Attending Aurora High School, Bob went to work for his father's company B&E Glass in Aurora as a talented glazier and leaded glass artist, giving new life to old church stained glass windows. Switching gears, he gained employment as a truck driver with McLean Trucking for many years before the company closed. One not to settle for the mundane and taking on many endeavors in his time, Bob and Nancy started and built up several businesses throughout the years, including Hoosier Metals, Instant Warehouse, as well as Coins, Treasures, and More in Martinsville. Later in life he and his sons owned Bennett Racing for sixteen years, where they reveled in bracket racing in Division 5 of the IHRA. The trio started with a 1969 Nova that would go from 0 to 180mph in 8 seconds, then raced an altered car that went from 0 to 200mph in 7 seconds, winning first place at the World of Wheels and second place at the Good Guys. A member of the first Solid Waste District, Bob was appointed by the local commissioners for his extensive knowledge.

Spending just shy of 59 years together, Bob and Nancy started their lives together in Aurora, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis until settling permanently in the beautiful rural area of Morgan County for the last fifty years. Upon retirement from full time work, the pair traveled the lower forty-eight states extensively and spontaneously, regularly taking the road less traveled, appreciating the spectacular views of scenic highways.

A collector of many things, if Bob acquired one item, you could bet he would have more. He appreciated antiques and old coins, but most of all he loved his family fiercely. Quick witted and with a cheeky sense of humor at times, he was a genuinely generous man who was continuously there to help those in need. His last days on earth were spent as happy ones; surrounded by friends and family. A big teddy bear with a beaming smile, he will be forever missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Bob's family would like to give a special thank you to his caregivers: Traditions Healthcare Hospice, Social Worker, Misti, and nurses, Ericka, Angela, Sarah, and McKenzie. You were all a blessing!

He leaves behind his wife, Nancy L. Bennett; children, Jim Bennett, and Rodney (Amy) Bennett; siblings, Corky (Kay) Bennett, Ed (Paula) Bennett, Randy Bennett, and Patricia Wells; grandchildren, Torri (Shawn) Averitt, Dacia Bennett, Abby (Ethan) Stock, Peyton (Jordon) Milton, and Aurora Bennett; great grandchildren, Russel and Spencer Averitt, Asher Stock, and Hadley Reel; along with several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents Bob was preceded in death by his siblings, Rusty and Greg Bennett, and Elizabeth Hagans.

Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Bob's family will hold a Celebration of Life Gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the donor's choice of The Shriners Hospitals for Children Attn: Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, or online at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at https://www.stjude.org/. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Bob's memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.