David Howard Bennett, 78, of Greensburg, Indiana, passed away on June 22, 2026. Born on November 17, 1947, in Greensburg, Indiana, David was the son of Lyman and Erma (Beagle) Bennett. A 1966 graduate of Burney High School, he furthered his agricultural education by completing the Agriculture Short Course at Purdue University in 1974.
On November 6, 1966, David married the love of his life, Diana Sue Miller. Together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage and raised five children: Sally, Nancy, Jason, Gregory, and Philip.
David was employed by Stewart Seeds for several years before purchasing his first farm in 1974. From that beginning, he devoted his life to farming, serving as a self-employed farmer until his death. His years were marked by steady diligence and quiet strength—work done faithfully, responsibilities carried without fanfare, and a life shaped by thoughtful care for family, community, and the vocation he loved.
A man of deep faith and steadfast loyalty, David was a devoted member and Elder of Kingston Presbyterian Church. He generously shared his time and wisdom through service on the Decatur County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors; the Purdue Council on Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching, where he traveled to Washington, D.C., on several occasions to advocate for Purdue Extension; the Decatur County Extension Board; and the Decatur County Pork Producers.
His leadership and commitment to service were recognized through the Decatur County Extension Certificate of Distinction. In February 1993, he was featured as a Prairie Farmer cover model, and he was later inducted into the Decatur County Agricultural Hall of Fame—honors that reflected a lifetime of hard work, sound judgment, and enduring influence within the agricultural community.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Diana Bennett; his children, Sally (Mike) Cuskaden, Nancy (Jeffrey) Ross, Jason (Michelle) Bennett, Gregory (Lisa) Bennett, and Philip (Heather) Bennett; and his cherished grandchildren, Connor (Anna) Cuskaden, Cory Cuskaden, Kendall Cuskaden, Alison (Daniel) Dembski, Brian Ross, Lorelei Bennett, Lexi Bennett, Miller Bennett, Elizabeth Bennett, Drew Bennett, Madelyn Bennett, Jack Bennett, Addison Bennett, Ethan Bennett, and Luke Bennett. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Erma Bennett, and his brother, Douglas Bennett.
David will be remembered for his unwavering faith, devotion to family, commitment to agriculture, and humble spirit. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he served, and the values he exemplified throughout his life.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate David’s life in a reception style visitation, Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Kingston Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am. Rev. Aj Mildenberg will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Kingston Presbyterian Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Kingston Presbyterian Church or to the Decatur County United Fund. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.gilliland-howe.com
