In his early years, Keith was an ambitious student and athlete, playing high school football while developing a talent for science and math. After high school, Keith attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. Keith was selected by the Academy to continue his education and obtained his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.
Keith volunteered to serve in Vietnam and Thailand during the Vietnam War, where he was recognized numerous times for outstanding service and was ultimately awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his commitment and leadership. He then went on to complete several tours throughout the world. After reaching the rank of Captain, Keith transitioned his service to the National Guard, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving his country for over 22 years.
While stationed in Germany, Keith met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Neylon, an American educator from Massachusetts teaching the children of servicemen on the Bitburg Air Force Base. They spent a year traveling Europe ending with a summer-long bicycle tour of Scandinavia. Upon their return to the United States, the couple married in Oklahoma and relocated to Colorado. Three children were born into to the family.
Keith had a distinguished career as a civil engineer contributing to several well-known projects including the decommission of Rocky Flats, and the construction of C-470 and the RTD Southwest light-rail line. Keith developed an influential passion for renewable and wind energy at the United States Department of Energy, retiring in 2012.
Keith was a truly devoted husband and father. From the beginning he was excited to be a dad and always put family first. Keith frequently went out of his way to show kindness and generosity to those around him. His proudest accomplishment was his family and his support for them never wavered.
Keith’s love of travel and adventure would take his family on numerous vacations throughout North America. In his later years, Keith and Betty spent a lot of time traveling and the couple was blessed to visit multiple countries including India, China, Peru and Ecuador, to name only a few. Keith especially loved taking trips with his two grandsons, Chase and Cole.
Keith’s love for his family and legacy is perhaps his greatest gift. He will be truly missed by all who had the honor and privilege of knowing him.
Keith is preceded in death by his father, Jack Irving Bennett; and brother, Roger Bennett. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 43 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Bennett; his three children, Christopher K. Bennett, Rebecca J. Barvinchak, and Matthew E. Bennett; his son in law Jed Barvinchak; his two grandsons, Chase M. and Cole B. Barvinchak; his mother, Wilma Lolamae Bennett; his sister, Cherie Pope; and numerous other relatives and close friends.
A Funeral Service will be held in Keith's honor on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 1:30 pm at Columbine United Church, 6375 S Platte Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80123. He will be laid to rest at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 10:00 am. At this service, Lieutenant Colonel Keith Bennett will receive full military honors.
Gifts in memory of Keith Bennett may be provided to the US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates - Class of 1970. The fund honors and supports alumni from the Vietnam War era. The Vietnam War is the first war in which Academy graduates served. Donations may be made online at: https://www2.usafa.org/Give/70HTSEA, or by mail at: Association of Graduates, Class of 1970 Gift Fund, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.
