WINTER HAVEN - Estel C. Bennett, age 91, of Winter Haven, passed away on January 12, 2015, due to heart failure. He was born in Cookeville, Tennessee on April 7, 1923, but moved to this area as a young child. Mr. Bennett was a Naval veteran of World War II, serving with distinction on the USS Thomas Jefferson, a ship dedicated to transporting troops and equipment to battle areas. He and his shipmates were part of the giant armada in France leading the charge in the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944 and they also were instrumental in executing the invasion of Okinawa, the doorstep to Japan, on April 1, 1945. He worked for over forty (40) years for the Winter Haven News-Chief before his retirement in 1988 as foreman of the press room. Mr. Bennett's most prominent quality was his superior work ethic which he passed on to his children. He touted education and diligence as the way to seize opportunities in life. He was a stern man, and strict, yet he was caring and compassionate as well. Mr. Bennett was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Frost, an educator in Hillsborough County.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Opal Bennett, a son, Barry W. Bennett, three grandchildren, Drew (Ashley) Bennett, Leslee (MattE) Diaz, Ragon A. Frost, and seven great grandchildren. He has three surviving sisters Reba Sheffield, Pauline Conner and Lela Shaffer.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Ron and Sandra Frost Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Visitation is Sunday, January 18, 2015, from 2-3pm with funeral services at 3:00pm, both at the Church of the Redeemer, 1410 Dundee Rd., Winter Haven, FL, 33884.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ott-laughlin.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18