John M Bennett Jr.

He was born on October 1, 1949 in Louisville, Kentucky. John (lovingly known as “Johnny”) leaves behind so many friends and family who absolutely adored him. He was quite possibly one of the most popular, gregarious and handsome men that most of us will ever know.

John was a devoted father to John (wife Kerri), Amanda (husband Bryan) and Nicholas. He was a loving husband to Vicki Jo, and a proud grandfather to Christie, John, Sean, Bennett and Emma. He was also a great-grandfather to sweet Isabelle, Archer and Oliver. Throughout his life, he showed unlimited support and love to everyone who was close to him. He was a man of few words, but there was never a doubt in the minds of his loved ones that he was fiercely devoted to his family. He is terribly missed.

John was extremely proud of being a professional engineer. He graduated with a masters in engineering from the University of Louisville Speed School in 1972. For most of his career, he worked as an environmental engineer. Rain, shine or 1 foot of snow, John always worked and always reminded each of his children that he had been up since 5 a.m. in the morning. He had the patience of a saint almost to the point where we thought he may be deaf, avoided drama at all costs and would give anyone the shirt off his back if they needed it. His smile was contagious and his children lovingly (and begrudgingly) remember him responding to their whining by saying “get off the moon” and “there’s no such word as can’t.”

He had the prettiest golf swing and took pride in the fact that he taught Nick the perfect “flop shot.” His kids frequently golfed with him even though his weekly tee time was when the sun rose. He was a guy’s guy and, when his boys were young, he could be found pitching countless baseballs in the backyard. He cherished his daughter and her love of education although he thrived in calling her boyfriends by the wrong name. But perhaps most of all, he loved the Ohio River. He spent his entire childhood on the river and eventually made his way back there once he retired. His favorite place in the world was holding court on his back deck with Vicki Jo or in his Man Cave garage. His eyes would glow if you asked him anything about his mother or father and the “old days.” He was the oldest of 5 children and was revered by his siblings less the time that he left his sister, Jackie, in the woods staked down after a heated game of Cowboys and Indians. He was insanely intelligent, never had to study and irritated more than one teacher in his lifetime for outsmarting them.

Simply put, everyone loved Dad (Johnny). His presence was addictive in the most wonderful way possible. There was nothing that rattled him and repeatedly assured his children that “everything will be ok.” His beliefs ran deep and he was incredibly head strong to the point of being comical on occasions. He welcomed and endured constant ribbing by anyone who knew his engineering brain and tendencies and would gently purse his lips to pretend he was offended.

He is predeceased by his mother, Billie, and his father, John, Sr. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and siblings (Jimmy, Jackie, Jenny and Janine). A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home located at 7410 Westport Rd., Louisville, KY 40222. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dad/John/Johnny will be forever remembered for his warmth, love and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.