Harold C. Bennish

1942 - 2016

Harold C. Bennish, aged 73, of Rolla, MO, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO.
Harold was born in St. Louis, MO on September 1, 1942 to the late Michael and Anna (Reichelt) Bennish. On December 26, 1964, Harold married Evelyn Lorraine Werges. Harold was a graduate of Eugene Coyle High School in Kirkwood, MO. Harold attended Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, MO, majoring in Civil Engineering.
Harold was employed by a St. Louis contractor from 1964 to 1979, becoming Senior Project Manager and Vice President. On March 1, 1974, Harold started Bennish Construction Company and successfully operated the company until retirement. Harold was chosen "Contractor of the Year" in 1986 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the thirteen state Northwestern Missouri River Division.
Harold was a long time and active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rolla, MO while attending Missouri School of Mines and after moving back to Rolla in 1974. Harold was also very active in the Rolla Lions Club, receiving the highest and most coveted "Melvin Jones Fellow" award in 1995 as well as the "President" award in 2004. Harold served as Board Member and President of the Rolla Rural Fire Protection Association for over 25 years, receiving the District "Service" Award. Harold enjoyed raising registered Black Angus and British White cattle on his farm in Rolla, MO.
Most important to Harold was his wife and family.
In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by sisters, Luanne Bennish and Helen Bennish, as well as, his brother, Richard Bennish.
Harold will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes his wife, Evelyn Werges Bennish; four children: Christina Bennish Haley and husband Keith of Springfield, MO, Suson Bennish Elbert and husband David of Union, MO, Melissa Bennish Parker and husband Shane of Aurora, MO, and Michael Steven Bennish and wife Lesley of Rolla, MO; one sister, Ursula Heimos of St. Louis, MO; one brother, Donald Bennish and wife Diane of St. Louis, MO; nine grandchildren: Evan Haley, Matthew Haley, Joseph Elbert, Steven Elbert, Maria Elbert, Nicholas Elbert, Andrew Parker, Rachel Parker, and Emily Parker; many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and other extended family members; and many dear friends.
A funeral mass for Harold C. Bennish will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rolla. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 1 at the Null and Son Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church Building and Maintenance Fund.
Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla.