William Allen Bennett

If there was ever a person who wanted to heal all the wrongs in the world, it was William Allen Bennett. He was an idealist who would have wished for harmony for those around him. William was enthusiastic and generous, and loved to boast about his accomplishments. He was also a fantastic storyteller. William had strong personal convictions, making it hard for him to relinquish those ideals he held dearest to himself. Despite his outer strengths and beliefs, William sometimes struggled in his efforts to see the world as completely positive.

William was born on May 13, 1952 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. William was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada by his parents, William G. and Barbara Bennett. As a youngster, William demonstrated an excellent vocabulary and command of language. He was a compassionate person, a quality that he would carry with him throughout his life.

William was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around him. William was raised with two older sisters, Lynn Lucia and Diana Bennett. William was constantly involved in activities with his sisters. They had the typical rivalries while growing up, but cared deeply for one another.

As a young boy, William lived a childhood filled with fantasy. He was generally in pursuit of his own identity, but he was also adaptable to almost any situation he faced. In his spare time he liked to build model airplanes and love to take things apart to see how they worked. However, to William, the most fun to be had was simply playing, and spending time with his friends.

He attended and graduated from Western High School in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1970. His favorite class in high school was band, and he will be remembered by classmates for being a talented musician.

While those who did not know him well found William to be somewhat reserved until they got to know him, he was an authentic and devoted friend. William was a tranquil person, with an easygoing and open-minded attitude towards life. He presented a pleasant face to the outside world but concealed the pain and discomfort he felt.

William was a gentle person who held deep feelings for his children. He enjoyed having fun with his kids and was at times fiercely protective of them. William showed great empathy in his willingness to give every family member a voice. He was blessed with two children- one daughter, Sidney Bennett with Mary Cunningham and one son, Thomas Mannie with Margie Mannie.

His primary occupation was as a musician, with his favorite band being Legal Tender, who played throughout the Las Vegas area.

William enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were playing guitars, building model airplanes, and photography. William was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but he was also willing to share his interests with others.

William was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of William's favorites were his cats, Pinky and Venus. Pinky was a best friend for 9 years and Venus for 15 years. He was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

William passed away on March 10, 2011 at home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is survived by his daughter, Sidney; son, Thomas; and his sisters, Diana and Lynn. William's memorial service was held on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10 AM at Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel. William was laid to rest in Palm Eastern Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.