Donald Bennett

Donald Joe was the son of Don Russell and Lou Ella Bennett. He was born in Wichita Falls and lived in Streveport as a young child before moving to Hill County in his youth where he attended Hillsboro schools. He entered the Air Force at age 17 and served 12 years of active duty and 10 years in the Reserves before joining the U. S. Navy for another 8 years. He received his Associates of Applied Science Degree from Hill College following his military service. On July 3, 1954, he married Glenda Jean in Las Cruces, New Mexico near where he was stationed while in the military. He was a vocational instructor at Hill College in Hillsboro for 20 years. An active entrepreneur, he operated Bennett Barbeque and Bennett Auction Service among other enterprises. Donald Joe was an active individual who never slowed down. He was a member of Walnut Street Baptist Church, Hillsboro Masonic Lodge #196, AF & AM, Scottish Rite in Dallas, Texas Auctioneers Assn., Natinal Auctioneers Assn., Texas Community College Teachers Assn., the first president of Hill County Water Assn., president of Peoria Cemetery Assn., and past president of Peoria Volunteer Fire Department. Preceding him in death were his parents, Don Russell in 1967 and mother, Lou Ella Bennett Johnston in 1993; step-father, Aubry Johnston in 1984 and Joe and Jewel "Pee Wee" Atchison, a beloved uncle and aunt. Survivors include: Wife, Glenda Bennett of Hillsboro; Children, Brian Bennett and wife Sarah of Hillsboro, and Don Bennett and wife Wanda of Center; 2 Grandchildren, Jack Zane Bennett of Hillsboro and Caroline Jewel Bennett of Hillsboro; aunt, Mildred Foutch of Hillsboro; several cousins, extended family and dear friends. Memorials may be made to: Walnut Street Baptist Church P.O. Box 1144, Hillsboro, TX 76645 or Donald Joe Bennett Scholarship Fund Hill College Hillsboro, Texas