Raymond "Ray" Eugene Bennett

Raymond Eugene Bennett died on February 12, 2018 in Blackfoot, Idaho at the age of 86.

Raymond was born in October, 1931 in Cedarville, Arkansas to his parents, Charles and Nellie Bennett. He was one of eleven children.

Raymond married Etta Turner in 1950. The Bennett’s lived throughout California, where he worked as a dairyman. Together they had five children: Debra (Bennett) Parker of LaPine, OR, Ron Bennett of McFarland, CA, Ann (Bennett) Paterson of Ferndale, WA, Karen (Bennett) Shelton of Taft, CA, and Andrea (Bennett) Cullins of Helotes, TX. Raymond’s 43-year union with Etta demonstrated their love through his five children, 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson. He became a widower in 1993.

Raymond found love again when he married his long-time widowed sister-in-law, Bea Bennett in 1994, gaining five step-children whom he loved as his own: Darrel Bennett of Blackfoot, ID, Gene Bennett (deceased) formerly of Loyalton, NV, Judy (Bennett) Falkowski of Reno, NV, Jim Bennett of Boise, ID, and Brandy (Bennett) Payne of Gatesville, TX. He inherited her five children, and their offspring which includes 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.

Raymond was a dedicated man of faith, firm in his belief in God. He was a loving family man with a wonderful sense of humor. He always tried to see the positive in everyone and everything. The happiness of others was a prominent desire of his life. He was selfless and, to his family, Raymond was nothing short of a super hero.

Raymond is preceded in death by his first wife, Etta; and his step-son, Gene. He is survived by his wife, Bea, his five children, his four step-children, 28 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

The family is under the care of the Hawker Funeral Home and People's Funeral Chapel in Hanford, CA. Raymond will be remembered in a Graveside Ceremony on February 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Hanford Cemetery; 10500 S. 10th Avenue, Hanford, California.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hawkerfuneralhome.com and to www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com