Charles Edward Bennett

SAN BENITO, TX – Charles (Charlie) Edward Bennett, 94 passed from this life into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville, TX.

The youngest of nine siblings, Charles was born February 15, 1927 in Brownsville, TX to Wiley Dorson and Lena Mae Bennett. Growing up during the Great Depression, Charlie helped provide for his family by hunting and fishing, both of which were his favorite pastimes. He took his first deer by himself at age 10 with a shotgun. At age 16, he dropped out of high school, had his dad sign the necessary documents so he could enlist in the U.S. Navy, and served our country during WWII. After completing his enlistment in the Navy, he joined the U. S. Naval Reserve.

In 1949, after his military service, Charlie met and married his wife, Doris Wells and they had five children. He worked hard his whole life, as he had been taught.  Most of his life, Charlie worked two jobs to provide for his family.  Of course, he squeezed in time to hunt and fish with the family.

For many years, Charlie was a valued employee of Texas Industrial Linen Service and the Valley Morning Star, working days and nights to keep food on the table, bills paid, and kids happy. For over 50 years, he had a side hobby of making fishing weights and surf fishing rod holders. He led a simple, humble yet busy life of work and play.

Charlie was a generous man and had a warm, gracious personality and infectious smile. Anyone who knew him was touched by Charlie’s kindness, humor and mild temperament. He was a true peacemaker and was always a source of positivity. Even at 94 years of age, he woke without an alarm clock to drive to his favorite restaurant for breakfast every day, and enjoyed lunch at the same restaurant almost every day.

Charles is survived by his sons, Darrell Bennett, Edward Bennett and Richard Adrian (Deana) Bennett; daughters, Charlotte Bennett Hees Tarver and Peggy (Mike) Elder. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brett (Kara) Bennett, Chad Bennett, Laura Hees (Anibal) Garcia, Kimberly Hees, Katherine (Hunter) Stanteen, Colton Bennett, Jonathan Elder and Bryan Elder; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Doris; his parents, Wiley D. and Lena Mae Bennett; daughter-in law, Wanda Bennett; and infant granddaughter, Kimberly Dawn Elder.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Valley Regional Medical Center for their care and compassion.

Charlie’s family and friends will gather to celebrate his life and legacy with a memorial service on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home.