Mark Lyle Bennett Jr.

Mr. Mark L. Bennett Jr, age 90, of Topeka, passed away early Sunday morning, June 15, 2025, at his residence. He was born on June 22, 1934, in Topeka KS, the son of Mark Bennett Sr and Lucile Bennett.‍‍ He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steven Bennett.

Mark graduated from Topeka High School. After graduating high school, Mark joined the Army proudly serving in Germany. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Mark attended Washburn University and Washburn Law School. Upon graduating from Washburn Law School, he started working in the Shawnee County District Attorneys office. He then took his talents to the Johnson County District Attorney’s office. After spending four years in Johnson County, he joined his father’s law firm and started the job he dreamt about his whole life.

While spending most of his career as a criminal defense attorney in Topeka, he was also one of the most feared prosecutors in the state of Kansas. He was appointed as a Special Prosecutor in several high-profile Kansas cases. He was a devoted Kansas sports fanatic. Above all else, he was a diehard Chiefs fan and a long-time season ticket holder, faithfully attending games at Arrowhead stadium throughout his adult life.

Mark is survived by his wife Charlann Bennett, currently of Augusta KS, his sister Cicely Glaze of Topeka KS, his three children, Mark (Steve) Bennett of Tulsa OK, David Bennett of Biloxi MS, and Julie Bennett-Desmelik of Atlanta GA and his three stepchildren Christie Saulsberry of Auburn NE, Connie Hoyt of El Dorado KS, and Curt Johnson of Holton KS. He also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, June 21st 2025 at 11:00AM at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604 with graveside services to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Berryton, KS.

The service will be livestreamed and will begin 15 minutes before service time. To view the live stream, please click the following link: Mark Bennett Jr. Funeral Service Livestream

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's' Association.