Allan Paul Bennett

Allan Bennett was born a farm boy to Marian and Bernice Bennett on April 25, 1938, in Reily, Ohio. The Bennett family had been farming in Cincinnati, Ohio since the mid- 1850’s. As a young man his father challenged him to become a mechanic because “he wasn’t good at it so you will have to be.” Growing up it appeared that no challenge was too great, learning farming, being a mechanic, learning to lay brick and building houses. Al would go on to join the United States Air Force and rise to the station of Master Sergeant and become the flight chief of the 84 Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Castle AFB in Atwater, California. He proudly served his country in Maine, Puerto Rico, California, Ohio and Thailand, retiring after 20 years of service. Al then took over a struggling shop and named it Al’s Auto and Truck Repair. He became a master mechanic for Ryder Truck Systems and won many awards. Al loved his family which grew in exponential proportions and was dedicated to taking his daughter Nina (Allana) across the United States as she became a pro-bowler. Al loved bowling, fishing, racing and bluegrass music. He is survived by his children; Timothy Bennett, Betty Bennett and Allana Bennett, stepchildren; Ratchada Tate, Anuroot Thoutawong and Sulapa Thoutawong, his 20 grandchildren and his 26 great grandchildren. Al is preceded in death by his wife Sanguan Bennett, his parents Marian and Bernice Bennett, sisters Carol and Barbara Bennett and his stepchildren Anusorn Thoutawong, Achitapol Thoutawong and Marat Thoutawong. He was a dedicated husband, loving father and proud grandfather and great grandfather. He was never afraid to take charge and to give great advice based on his great life experience. Al passed away peacefully at 88 years old in his home surrounded with love and family.

There will be a visitation on September 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, California 95341

Burial will be September 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella, California. A reception will follow at Tioga-Sequoia Merced Taproom, 1707 N Street Merced CA 95340