Carrol L. "Nellie" Bennett, 85, of Marshall, IL passed away 12:10 PM Sunday, April 13, 2014 in the Burnsides Community Care Center at Marshall. He was a retired teacher and coach having been employed in both Martinsville and Marshall, IL school districts. He had been inducted into the IL High School Basketball Coaches' Hall of Fame. He was born January 1, 1929 at Martinsville, IL, the son of Ernie Olin Bennett and Jesse Marie Husted Bennett. He married Ruth Mueller on July 11, 1952 at Effingham, IL. Surviving are his wife, Ruth; his children, Steve (Marsha) Bennett of New Castle, IN, Pam (Bob) Plool of San Antonio, TX, Cindy (Joseph K.) Ferris of Robinson, IL, Julie (John) O'Rourke of Marshall, IL and Dennis (companion-Lesley Titsworth) Bennett of Marshall, IL; grandchildren, Steven Bennett, Nick Pellum, Matt Pellum, Danielle Pellum, Jessie Wolfe, Jacob Ferris, Joey O'Rourke, Steven O'Rourke and Carly O'Rourke and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Harlan Bennett, Harold Bennett and Lowell Bennett and a sister, Madolyn Kannmacher. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church of Paris, IL. He was a graduate of Martinsville High School and received both his Bachelor and Masters Degree from Eastern Illinois University. He had served as a trustee for Marshall Twp. for several years and in addition to his employment as a teacher and coach he was employed by the Clark Co. Highway Dept. For over 20 years he sold tickets at the Indianapolis Speedway. He was well known by his friends for his sense of humor throughout his life and knowing they would always be welcomed at his home. He served this nation in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of the VFW Post #5975 and Clark Co. Post #90 of the American Legion. Services in honor of his life and testimony to his faith will be 10:30 AM Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church at Paris with Pastor Ryan Fehrman officiating. Burial will be in the Marshall Cemetery with military graveside rites. Visitation will be 4-7 Tuesday at Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall and one-hour prior services at the church on Wednesday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Marshall Schools Foundation or to Wounded Warriors.