Donald Lee Bennett

Sergeant Major (Retired) Donald Lee Bennett was called to heaven on 23 July 2025. Donald served in the United States Marine Corps for over 28 years. Donald was born in Buchannon, West Virginia on 21 April 1941. Sergeant Major Bennett served in Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Paris Island, Quantico, Wheeling, WV, Cherry Point, Camp Gieger and Camp Lejeune. His awards include: Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (With Gold Star), Navy Commendation Medal (With Valor), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (With 3 Bronze Stars), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3rd Award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Certificates of Commendation.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Lida and Margaret Bennett, sisters Joanne Fisher and Martha Rush, the love of his life (married 45 years) Wilma Jean Bennett, and his second wife Patricia Bennett. He is survived by his sister Karen Dunham, Children; Lisa Reason (Len Reason), Sam Bennett (Brandi Bennett) & Brian Bennett (Tina Bennett), grandchildren; Joshua Reason, Mary Reason, Samantha Bennett & McKenzie Bennett.

Donald “Pap” Bennett loved his country, the outdoors, hunting, and running his dogs. Don was an elder at Croatan Presbyterian Church. Donald’s viewing is Sunday 27 July at 5:00 PM at the Cotten Funeral Home. His funeral services will be held at the Croatan Presbyterian Church on Monday 28 July at 10:00 AM. Donald will be laid to rest with full military honors immediately following the funeral service at the Greenleaf Memorial Park.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Donald Lee Bennett.