Bobby Bennett

Bobby Ancil Bennett passed away on Sunday, 02/28/2021 at Singing River Hospital in Gulfport, Mississippi.

He was born June 02, 1934 in Kennett, Missouri to Clarence and Flora (Buchner) Bennett who preceded him in death, along with four of his brothers Carl, Joseph, Clarence, and Floyd.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Bennett of Biloxi Mississippi; his sons, Thatcher Bennett of Tempe Arizona, Bobby Bennett Jr of Dittmer, Missouri, Darin Bennett of Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri; his daughters, Angela McCabe of Cedar Hill, Missouri, and Teresa Patterson of Arnold, Missouri; his eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; his brothers, Jesse Bennett of Flint, Michigan and Billy Bennett of High Ridge, Missouri.

Bobby grew up on a farm at Hornersville, Missouri and graduated from Hornersville High. He served 23 years in the United States Air Force. He was a radio/electronic counter measures operator/technician on B-29s, flying combat missions from Okinawa to North Korea. He also flew on B-36s after the Korean War. After the B-36 was grounded, Bobby retrained as an early warning radar technician and was stationed at the following stations, Rockport Air Force Station, Rockport, Texas, Zapata Air Force Station, Zapata, Texas, Cape Sarichef, Air Force station, Cape Sarichef, Alaska, Sundance Air Force Station, Sundance, Wyoming. He was discharged June 1962. After a 16- year break in service, Bobby joined the Missouri Air National Guard in St Louis, Missouri with 218th Electronic/Engineering Squadron. While with 218th EES Bobby made two trips to Germany and two trips to Panama. In 1990 Bobby transferred to the Kansas Air National Guard and became NCOIC of Disaster Preparedness. After NCOIC/DP Bobby became First Sergeant and attended the First Sergeants Academy at Keesler AFB, Biloxi Mississippi. Bobby retired from the Air Force in March 1993.

Bobby also worked for 27 years as a management employee for Western Electric, AT&T and Southwestern Bell supervising the installation of central office telephone systems in various states throughout the Midwest.

Bobby loved playing golf and could be found on a golf course twice a week until his death. He also enjoyed biking, swimming and attending church. His favorite hymn was "How Great Thou Art!"

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family.