William Lee Bennett

William Lee Bennett, 75, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away peacefully at 8:05 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2020 at his home.

Bill was born on February 1, 1945 in LaHarpe the son of Carl L. and Lelia Grace (Fuller) Bennett. On May 8, 1966 he married Mary Ruth Lee in LaHarpe.

Bill attended the Fountain Green Grade School and was a 1963 graduate of LaHarpe High School. He then attended the University of Illinois for engineering. Bill served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1967 - 1971, serving in the Vietnam Conflict and then as an instructor at  Quantico. He was a 50 year member of the LaHarpe American Legion, lifetime member of the VFW. He was also a member of the Terre Haute United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years. He served on the LaHarpe School Board from 1985 - 1989. He enjoyed helping with softball, umpiring and helping with maintenance at the ball diamonds.

Bill worked his entire career at NTN Bower in Macomb, while also owning LaHarpe Die & Repair for 10 years.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; two daughters, Lesley (Matt) Flynn of Macomb, Illinois and Stephanie (Darin) Davis of Davis, Illinois; one son, Brett (Jennifer) Bennett of Royse City, Texas; four grandchildren, Emilee, Elizabeth, Stone and Lelia; one brother, Neil (Jeanne) Bennett of Iowa City, Iowa; one sister, Barbara (Bob) Cameron of Burlington, Iowa; eight sisters-in-law; eight brothers-in-law and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and  nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one niece and one nephew.

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Homes. Due to the current CDC guidelines, a private family graveside will be held at LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Lee Unger officiating. Memorials may be made to the Terre Haute United Methodist Church Building Fund, LaHarpe Ambulance Service or MDH Hospice. Please mail contributions to Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 503, LaHarpe, IL 61450.

To sign the guest book or leave a condolence, please visit Bill’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.