Allen Francis Bennett

Allen Francis Bennett, age 63, of Bloomington passed away Wednesday morning at his residence with his loving family by his side. Born July 21, 1956 in Indianapolis, he was the son of Harold Francis and Jacquelyn (Conklin) Bennett. Allen graduated from Bloomington High School South, class of 1975. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Saratoga 1975-79. Allen completed the Union Ironworker Apprenticeship program and was a Journeyman Ironworker with Indianapolis Local #22. He worked for Greater Midwest Ironworks (GMI) and Cardinal Contracting and many buildings in Central Indiana bear his mark. Allen was a member of Fairview United Methodist Church where he served as a Trustee, the Sycamore Valley Gun Club, and the N.R.A.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Fern (Anderson) Bennett, of Bloomington; two sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Andrea Bennett, of Norfolk, Virginia, Patrick and Ariel Bennett, of Indianapolis and one brother, Clifford (wife-Shelley) Bennett, of Woodland, California; four sisters, Donna (husband-Mark) Tedrow, of Jasper, Indiana, Sally Bennett, of Bloomington and Lorraine McKay and Lianne Miller, both of East Hampton, New York and five grandchildren, Avery, Max, Grace, Henry and Everett Bennett. Allen was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Phillip.

Allen impacted the lives of all he encountered. Smart as a whip, he helped others succeed and often made wry observations on the many contradictions of life all of us encounter. He is greatly missed.

The funeral service will be on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the Deremiah-Frye Mortuary; Greene and Harrell Chapel; 700 W. Gourley Pike with Pastor Doug Simpson officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Friends may visit the family on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the I.U. Simon Cancer Center for Dr. Einhorn’s cancer research. Make checks out to the I.U.F. P.O. Box 7072; Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Put on the memo line “In memory of Allen Bennett”. You may give online at www.cancer.iu/giving.