Lynda Casteel Bennett

Lynda Casteel Bennett passed away in Leawood, KS on January 13, 2023, at the age of 82. A friend once

described Lynda as a “sweet, intelligent, elegant person.” Her family knew her as unflappable. She never

hesitated to drop everything at a moment's notice if any of her children or grandchildren needed anything.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Lynda was born October 1, 1940, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to Lawrence and Margaret “Betty” Casteel.

She graduated in 1958 from Flat River High School (now Park Hills, MO), where she fell in love with her

future husband, David W. Bennett. She earned an associate’s degree from Monticello Women’s College

in 1960 and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1962. She

and David were married from 1962 until David’s death in 2000.

Lynda never shied away from an adventure. David’s job with the U.S. Geological Survey meant the

family moved more than 40 times during her married life. She spent countless hours creating a place for

her three daughters to call home in every new town and kept things running smoothly when David was on

extended assignments in the South Pole, Saudi Arabia, and Washington D.C.

In 1980, the family bought a permanent home in St. James, MO. Lynda served from 1982 – 1994 as an

administrative assistant and substitute English teacher in the St. James School District. After retiring,

David and Lynda spent summers camping and volunteering in Wyoming for the U.S. Forest Service and

winters in Texas, soaking up the sun. Following David’s death, she moved to the Kansas City area to be

closer to family.

Lynda was an avid volunteer in her community and a devoted member of Ozark Highlands Christian

Church in Rolla and Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. She was an accomplished seamstress,

quilter, cook, and crafter, using her talents to make baby quilts and cookies for charitable organizations in

Kansas City. Lynda loved spending time with her seven grandchildren and sharing her many skills with

them. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020, she moved to a memory care home where she

made friends and endeared herself to the staff with her helpful and cheerful demeanor.

Lynda was preceded in death by her husband David Webb Bennett; her siblings Ruth Ellen Casteel Varela,

James Casteel, and Brantley Casteel. She is survived by her daughters Lisa Huxman (J.D.), Amanda

Bland (Sean), and Sarah Bole (Todd), as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; her

brother Curt Casteel (Kathy) and many nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private memorial service at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS.

Memories may be left at the online obituary at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com.