Carroll Austin Bennett Jr.

Sunrise August 28, 1936 - Sunset April 23, 2009 Our family chain is broken, and nothing is the same. We think of you in silence, and often speak your name. You left us peaceful memories; your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you, you are always by our side. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. With Love, Your Family Carroll Austin Bennett, Jr. was born Aug. 28, 1936 in Bell, Calif. He married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Kane, in 1956. Carroll served his country faithfully in the Navy reserves. Following an illustrious career at Bethlehem Steel for ten years, and then as a Professional Engineer at Fluor for 30 years, he eventually retired and moved with his wife to Indian Wells, Calif. in 2000. Carroll quickly immersed himself in desert living, and became an Elder at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. He questioned his right to this position, but all that knew him felt it was much deserved. He also participated actively in Bible Study, sharing his views and rediscovering the deep faith that sustained him in his final days. Carroll was a die-hard fan of the USC Trojans, Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers. He was also a great car enthusiast, and enjoyed driving the many cars he owned over the years. Carroll and Eleanor were part of a close-knit group of more than a dozen couples, many of who had been friends since high school. They thoroughly enjoyed their houseboat trips on Lake Powell, their trips to Hawaii, and also their more recent trips to Italy and China. Carroll was a devoted family man, and most recently enjoyed spending time at home with his wife and other family members. Mere words cannot express how deeply the loss of this loyal, humorous, conservative man will affect all that knew him. Carroll was passionate about his beliefs, and enjoyed sharing his thoughts with others. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Eleanor; daughter, Kathy; son, Russell and his wife, Paula; grandson, Matthew; granddaughters, Sheila and April; and great grandson, Vincent. He is also survived by his mother, Doris Bennett; sister, Katharine Schuehle; and brother, Gene Bennett and his wife, Lisa. Other brothers- and sisters-in-law include Ardis Neville, Pat and Buddy Rieffanaugh, Jerry Kane, Georgia and Don Crawford, plus many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held for Carroll at 1:00 PM on May 9, 2009 at the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, 47-321 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA 92260-5946. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund. We see you everywhere we look... We miss you every moment of the day. Your memory is our keepsake, With which we'll never part, God has you in His keeping, We have you in our heart.