Charles Bennett

Charlie was survived by his beloved wife Beverley (Fischer) Bennett with whom he spent nearly 53 years of his life. He is also survived by his half-brother Denes (Marilyn) Bennett, half-sister Ilonka (Dick) Rank and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Herbert Bennett, Sr. and Agnes Marie (Young) Bennett.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Charlie received a BA from Roosevelt University. He grew up in a railroad family and had an extensive knowledge of the industry. So, after graduation, a recruiter on campus deemed him a good fit for a career with US Railroad Retirement Board where he worked until his retirement.

Charlie inherited his passion for the circus from his father who took him to circuses from the time he was a toddler. Charlie Sr made sure they always sat by the bandstand. Charlie Sr had the hobby of building little circus wagons and was a co-founder of Circle Model Builders, Inc. Charlie Jr built his first wagon at age 13 and continued modeling for many years. He became so adept at circus wagons that he advanced from kits to building from scratch. He also had a model train layout for which he built all the buildings to scale.

Sitting close to the bandstand at circuses inspired Charlie to take up the cornet. This led him to become involved in circus bands himself and he was the founding member (WJU #1) of Windjammers Unlimited Inc. This organization is dedicated to the preservation, performance and education of the circus music genre. That organization continues today.

Charlie wrote columns for both Circus Fanfare, the Windjammers Unlimited magazine, and for The Little Circus Wagon, the circus model builders’ magazine.

Charlie also had passion for learning that included travel - by train, car, bus - all over the nation. He loved the backroads and the national parks which influenced another one of his hobbies – photography.

Charlie had many wide-ranging interests; he was an expert on George Armstrong Custer; he loved University of Illinois basketball; he appreciated the artisanship in Native American art and so much more.

Arrangements entrusted by Resthaven Mortuary

Private service with close family.

https://www.mywju.org/

https://www.facebook.com/Circus.Models/