William E. Bennett

1933 - 2023

William (Bill) E. Bennett

On July 9, 1933, William E. (Bill) Bennett was born to Emerson O. and Louise Smith Bennett. He graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1951, where he served as Band Captain and the University of Tulsa with a BA degree in physics, 1955 and MA degree in English, 1957.

At the University of Tulsa, Bill will be remembered for his weekly humor article "Uncle Willy Says" in the Collegian newspaper. A member Kappa Sigma Fraternity and of the theatrical fraternity Theta Alpha Phi, he appeared in many plays in the TU Theatre Department with Rue McClanahan with whom he remained lifelong friends. Bennett and McClanahan were selected to be co-directors of TU's annual "Varsity Nite" show. He starred as the title character in Rip Van Winkle, his favorite role.

Throughout his young life, Bill was active at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, enjoying Camp Eagan as a youth and directing plays for the Young Adult Fellowship as an adult. Bill was elected "Outstanding Scout of Troop 20" at Boston Avenue Church. In the 1950s, his parents were leaders of the largest Sunday School Class in Methodism, twelve hundred members.

On radio stations KTUL and KRMG, Bill was a D.J. and delivered the news in his rich baritone voice.

Receiving his PhD from the University of Washington in rhetoric and speech, Dr. Bennett was a professor on the English faculty of Seattle Community College serving as president of both the faculty and union. He raised his family Susanna and Devin in Seattle. An ardent amateur athlete and outdoorsman, he and his wife, Janet Worthen hiked eight hours daily when time permitted. Bennett's favorite accomplishment was his being responsible for the salmon returning to spawn in McAleer Creek, a project to which he devoted many years. He served as Scout Master for Troop 850 and on the Board of the University Temple United Methodist Church, Seattle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson and Louise Bennett; and his son, Devin, an IT specialist. He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Susanna, both of Seattle; and sister, Lynette Bennett Danskin of Tulsa.

Dr. Bennett's friends will remember him as a creative thinker, treasured for his eloquence, wit and nobility.