John Crawford Bennett

John Crawford Bennett died Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Margaret Gwynn Bennett. John was born November 29, 1930 in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii to John Howard and Frances Snow Bennett. His father was a graduate of West Point so John grew up in the military and spent his early childhood on several different Army bases, the last being in Manila, Philippines. At the age of 10 he was evacuated from the Philippines, along with his mother, due to the coming outbreak of World War II. This was the last time he saw his father, who died in action in the Philippines. John spent the rest of his childhood in his mother's home state of South Carolina. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in the class of 1954 and served in the United States Army. He was severely injured in a helicopter accident in January 1960 while stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, and spent a year recovering from his injuries at Walter Reed Hospital. After his recovery he returned to active duty until he retired in 1968 with the rank of Major. He then moved to Tallahassee where he earned a degree in Criminology from Florida State University. He was employed by the State of Florida for a few years before retiring. He was a member of The Exchange Club, Colonels Club, Cotillion Club, The Big Bend Model Train Association, The West Point Society of Tallahassee and St, John's Episcopal Church. Other survivors include five step-children Elizabeth Harrell, Anne Draper, George Truett, Bill Truett and Peggy Barrett; one sister-in-law Mae Shivers, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In spite of his many setbacks John fought a valiant battle, maintained his keen sense of humor and sharp wit and kept his faith in God. One of his greatest joys was spending time with family and friends. A memorial service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church on Monday, October 15 at 3 PM with a reception to follow at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL, 32308 or a favorite charity. Bevis Funeral Home, (850) 385-2193, www.bevisfh.com, is in charge of the arrangements.

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John Crawford Bennett

November 29, 1930 - October 10, 2012