Born December 23, 1937 in Deer Creek to Joseph R. and Dorothy M. (Hayes) Bennett, he married Linda Lou Stewart on February 19, 1966 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are his adopted daughter, Danielle Bennett of Pekin; three grandchildren, Kira Bennett of Cross Plains, Texas, Breanna (Joey) Estes of Pekin and Thomas Bennett, III of Sussex, Wisconsin and six great-grandchildren, Addylin Estes, Riley Estes, James “Boots” Egan, Aerial Egan, David Bennett and Freyja Bennett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Thomas W. Bennett, Jr. on July 6, 2017 in Pekin; two brothers and three sisters.
Tom proudly served in the United States Navy from January 20, 1955 to October 21, 1957.
He was retired from Carpenters Union Local 644 in Pekin and previously had worked out of Laborer’s Local 231.
Tom was a former member of Pekin Eagles Aerie 1869 and enjoyed working in his garage. He also liked driving off road race cars when he was younger.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Imhoff Cemetery near Congerville, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Navy.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
