Robert Allan Bennett

Robert had three siblings, sister Sandra, brothers Kirke and Jerry.

Robert’s early school years, pre-K to 4th grade, was held in a two-room schoolhouse. The Bennett family then moved to Lancaster NY, where Robert spent his middle and high school years. Robert graduated from Lancaster Central Senior High School, Lancaster, N.Y. in 1959. The high school opened in 1958, and Robert was a member of the first senior class to graduate from that school.

Robert joined the U.S. Air Force on 05 October 1959, attending Air Force Boot Camp in San Antonio, TX. Robert worked various specialties while in the Air Force: Radar Mechanic / Administration Specialist / Administration Technician and spent most of his career as a Special Agent assigned to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI).

Robert retired from the Air Force as a Master Sargent (E7), on 31 July 1986, after approximately 27 years of military service. Robert continued working for the Air Force OSI as a civilian after military retirement.

Robert’s individual military awards include the following:

Joint Service commendation Medal / Air Force Commendation Medal / Air Force Achievement Medal / Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Robert met and married Sharon R. Knudsen while stationed at Kessler AFB Mississippi. Robert and Sharon were married on October 28, 1960, and they celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary in 2024. Robert and Sharon had three children, Robert Jr., Sharon J. and Ronna L.

Robert was a Boy Scout Scoutmaster while residing in Blairsville, PA. He enjoyed leather working; assisting at his church; taking cruises – both of them to Alaska; volunteering for safety rounds in his retirement community and assisting with their weekly Saturday morning coffee and donuts.

Post Government employment included retail theft deterrent while living in Reno Nevada and working for the Manatee County Sherriff’s Department, after moving to Florida.

Due to declining health, Robert and Sharon moved to San Antonio Texas in May 2024, so they could be closer to family. Robert passed on January 20th, 2025.

Robert is survived by his wife Sharon; Sister Sandra (Sandy) Schultz; Brother Jerry; Son Robert Jr; daughters Sharon J. Santoya and Ronna L. Bennett.

Robert has 7-grandchildren Gregory and Ross Bennett – son Robert; Christopher, Kevin and Eric Santoya – daughter Sharon; Thomas Boyles and Jessica Bennett – daughter Ronna.

Robert has 4 great-grandchildren: Melody R., Liam R. and Korbin R. – Kevin Santoya; and Graham M. – Ross Bennett.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., March 28, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.