Robert E. Bennett, 87, of Marshall, IL passed away 11:35 AM Saturday, June 6, 2015 in Regional Hospital at Terre Haute, IN.

He was born December 19, 1927 at Gary, IN, the son of Thurman and Ruth Bennett. He married Nellie Marie Hendrix on April 1, 1949 and she preceded him in death on June 16, 1987. He later married Carol Bridwell Davidson on July 2, 1989. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ellen McCarty; a brother, John Bennett; a step son-in-law, Woody Fitzgerald and a step grandson, Woody Fitzgerald II. He is survived by his wife, Carol; a son, Robert C. (Becky) Bennett; a daughter Sally (Tom) Murphy; step children, Paula Renner, Alane (Jim) White, Chris Fitzgerald, Candy Kadivinik Painter, Bud (Amy) Davidson, Sally (Jeff) Mallory and Matt Davidson; grandsons, Levi (Sarah) Bennett and Jacob Bennett and fianc̩e, Kaylea Radloff; granddaughter, Molly Bennett and fianc̩e, Tanner Sandland. He is also survived by twenty three step grandchildren, thirty six step great grandchildren and one step great great granddaughter.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1945. He served as a cook until his discharge. After returning home he went to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad which later became Con Rail. He retired from the railroad in 1991. Bob was a long time member of the Auburn Methodist Church. After his marriage to Carol, he then transferred his membership to the First United Methodist Church in Marshall where they attended as husband and wife. He was an active member of Marshall Masonic Lodge #133 AF & AM.

Services in honor of his life will be 10:30 AM Wednesday at Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall with Rev. Richard Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Auburn Cemetery at Clark Center. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or to the Auburn Cemetery Fund. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.