Obituary of Darrell Bennett

Darrell Bennett, “DB”, age 92, of Ocala, Florida passed away on Thursday; October 10, 2024.  He was born in Eubank, Kentucky on September 6, 1932, to the late Ray and Fern (Rigney) Bennett.

Darrell was a true Kentucky boy.  In his very early years, he worked on the family farm.  Later, his parents sought work during World War II in Detroit, Michigan, where he fell in love with the state and moved back many years later. 

The family returned to Kentucky when Darrell was still a young man. He excelled in basketball at Somerset High School, earning a scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University.  He went on to graduate from The Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville.  Darrell was drafted during the Korean War, where he served the Marine Corps as a Graves Registration Officer.

Upon his return to the U.S. he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  On weekend leave, while visiting his aunt and uncle in Raleigh he met his future wife, Jean Perry, who was training to become a Registered Nurse at Rex Hospital School of Nursing. The two married on September 2, 1956 in Rolesville, North Carolina.

Darrell was a licensed mortician in North Carolina, Kentucky and Michigan. When he joined Allore Funeral Home, they moved the family to Monroe, Michigan. In 1965, they purchased Maurice Funeral Home and Ambulance Service, which became Bennett Funeral Homes & Ambulance Service.  Together they operated these businesses in Monroe and Erie, Michigan for 47 years. Darrell was recognized by the Michigan Funeral Directors Association with a Lifetime Service award of 50 years. While serving families at their greatest time of need was his calling, a great highlight of his long career was mentoring young morticians through their apprenticeship.  Even encouraging his two younger brothers to follow in his footsteps as licensed morticians.

A life-long Baptist, Darrell was a member of First Baptist Church of Monroe and later Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. He was a Rotarian, a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and member of the VFW.

Darrell was an avid hunter and fisherman. Stories from pheasant hunting, deer hunting, and fishing for walleye are epic.  In retirement, Darrell boarded horses in Ocala Florida. He loved all dogs, especially his Basenji’s.

Together, Darrell and Jean traveled the U.S. in their Motorhome, visiting friends and relatives along the way. Darrell was a people person, he never met a stranger, or hesitated to stop in for a visit, or call to talk.

In addition to his parents, Darrell was also preceded in death by his brothers: Jerry and Ron; his grandson: Asa Bennett; and nephew Jeff Bennett.

Darrell’s wife of 68 years, Jean survives him along with his daughter: Gail (Mike) Fink of Miamisburg, Ohio; sons: Perry of Ventura, California and Michael (Misty) Bennett of Cottage Grove, Oregon; four surviving grandchildren: Katie Bach, Michael (Molly) Fink, and Oakley and Romy Bennett; sister-in-law: Mary Bennett; nieces: Jill Bennett and Beth Peck and their families. Darrell also leaves five great grandchildren; Lady Glittersparkles, his dutiful Australian Shepard; and many loving relatives and friends.

Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 7:00pm on Friday; October 18, 2024, and from 12:00pm until 1:00pm on Saturday; October 19, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe (formerly Bennett Funeral Home).  A Celebration of His Life will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday also at Merkle’s.  Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park for final committal services under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138 Ritual Team.  Entombment in the Chapel Mausoleum will be private.

In consideration of Darrell’s love of dogs, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in his honor to the Monroe County Humane Society; 911 South Raisinville Road, P.O. Box 1457, Monroe, Michigan 48161. www.monroe-humane.org.

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