Richard Merle Bennett
August 15, 2014
Richard “Dick” Merle Bennett, 69, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2014 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Services will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA. Visitation will follow the service.
Dick was born on July 3, 1945 in Columbus, NE to Merle and Irene (Derrickson) Bennett. After one year of college at Buena Vista, Dick went to work for SuperValu as an assistant manager and then transferred to Des Moines as a buyer. He retired in 1990. Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting, building model cars, and was an avid reader. His passion was his Corvette’s. He was a member of the Sports Car Club of America, and NCRS Heartland Chapter serving as chairman. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge; and enjoyed traveling and loved to drive.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 49 years, Lani Bennett; children, Brad (Carrie) Bennett, Brooke (Matthew) Plambeck; grandchildren, Macy Lettington, Cameron and Casey Bennett; sister, Bonnie (Roger) Schmidt; and numerous other relatives and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dave Ewan
08/19/2014
Dick
You will be missed by all your Corvette judge friends and buddies.
The judging field will not be the same and the swap meet will be short of some good parts. We pray and hope the Good Lord gives you a special ride in heaven.
Lynn and Dave Ewan
Carol and Donald Hansen
08/19/2014
We are sad today, to hear of Dick's passing. So happy to have seen him at the class reunion. He was certainly courageous in life. God be with you in this time of hurt. Let the good memories of your life together sustain you. Don & Carol
sharon libby
08/18/2014
Lani, I was so sorry to read of Dick,'s death. Just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your friend from JCP , Sharon Libby
Claudia and Dick Mash
08/18/2014
Lani, We are saddened by Dick's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! You both made us feel so welcome when we moved to the neighborhood. It's tough to walk down my driveway and not see either you both on the deck or Dick out reading. He was a gem and will be greatly missed!
Claudia and Dick
Kirby and Kay Hanson
08/18/2014
Lani: We were really sad to hear of Dick's passing. I really enjoyed working with Dick at Super Valu. He was a great asset to our produce dept. You and Dick were great friends, and we've missed you over the last many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now. Kirby and Kay
Ken & Becky Rassler
08/18/2014
We are saddened by Richards passing. I learned a lot about car restoration from our conversations at our class reunions. We hope knowing that Dick will be remembered by so many will help ease your pain. He will be missed.
Loreen Moneypenny
08/17/2014
Lani, I am so sad to hear of this. My sympathies to you and your family. I, too, know what it is like and it will be a hard time for awhile. In time, the hurt will be less but never forgotten. He always had such a great time at our class reunions and a good man. I will keep you in my prayers. Lean on any one of us who have lost our husband if you need to. Your friend and classmate, Loreen Moneypenny
Gary Ogburn
08/17/2014
Lani and family
I was sorry to hear of Dick's passing I have fond memories of our times in Storm Lake .May God be with you during these sad times.- Gary
Peggy Seivert
08/16/2014
Lani, I am so sad for you and your children. I know what this is like and it is a hard time. I won't be able to come for the funeral but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will talk to you later. We had a lot of good times that I will ;never forget. Your friend, Peg Seivert
Art & Dolores Bruns
08/16/2014
We are saddened by the loss of your beloved Dick. I so enjoyed visiting with him at NCRS meets and on the phone. He was always eager to give me help with the cars.
Just being around him was an uplifting experience.
May God bless you during this difficult time in your life.
Carol Bertram
08/16/2014
Lani, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Dick was one of those great guys that always made you feel good after a conversation with him. He was my neighbor for many years, and I will always remember all of the fun we had as young kids. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Lloyd & Linda Myers
08/15/2014
Lani, you & your family have our deepest sympathy. Dick was a super guy & will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers are with you and yours!!
Liz Block
08/15/2014
I will remember Dick as a truly sweet man. He seemed to appreciate his blessings and face his hurdles with strength. I am saddened by his passing and will be thinking of the loved ones he left behind.
Lee Kuehl
08/15/2014
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Doug & Phyl Ireland
08/15/2014
We admired Dick's great sense of humor, his persistence in adversity, and his positive outlook on life. Although we will miss him, we shall forever cherish our memories of times shared. We shall hold you in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and comfort in your time of loss.