Emil Everett Bennett

Emil Everett Bennett was born on June 1, 1932, in Winston-Salem, NC to Louis and (Teresa)Ethyl (nee' Gray) Bennett. He joined his soul mate (Betty) and our blessed Lord on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at his home in Lake Ozark, MO at the age of 93 years.

Emil grew up in the town of Winston-Salem, NC. At 17 years of age Emil proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Emil was united in marriage to Miss Betty Lou Church on March 22, 1958. The couple made their home throughout the United States. From Winston-Salem, NC to El Paso, TX to many locations in Illinois and raised their 4 children in Wheaton, Illinois: to Labadie then Houston Missouri; to Myrtle Beach South Carolina; to Winston-Salem, North Carolina; to Union and then spent his last 12 years in Lake Ozark, Missouri

Emil found joy in playing his guitar, singing with his granddaughters, woodworking, farming, working with his hands, teaching and meeting new people.

Emil was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Betty Lou Church Bennett, his parents Louis and Ethyl Bennett, his parents in law John and Bertie Church, and his eight siblings (6 brothers and 2 sisters) and 1 grandson.

He is survived by his 4 children: Jerry (Jennifer) Bennett of Winfield, IL; Karen (Carl) Spalinger of Crestwood, MO; Robin (Larry) Hinnah of Augusta, Mo and Robert (Monica) Bennett of Lithia, FL; 13 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Services for Emil will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM with a funeral service beginning at 3:00PM.

He will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in a private ceremony Monday, February 16, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Emil's honor.

The Bennett family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington.