Richard P. Bennett
Died June 2, 2020
MANCELONA
– Richard (Dick) Paul Bennett, 70, of Mancelona,
passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at Munson Medical Center.
Dick was born on March 1, 1950 in Highland Twp., the son of Claude
and Maxine (Klein) Bennett.
Dick served Bravo Company with the 326th Marines Lima Company as a
small arms technician and explosives expert. He was a dedicated Marine and proud Vietnam
veteran who gave his mind, body, and soul for his country.
Dick was a fighter, a warrior, and a survivor. His return to civilian life was anything but
welcoming. He returned to a hateful
America. An America that threw rocks,
insults, fists, and spit at him. An
America that abandoned and continuously denied him the benefits he not only earned
but desperately needed. He loved his
country until his last breath, and he deserved better.
In 1972 Dick left one war to join another. Haunted by Vietnam PTSD
kept him from living a typical life. Dick's
family was everything to him. He loved us in his own way, and we treasured and
respected him.
Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, cats and took great pride in his
marksmanship skills. He also enjoyed
Stevie Ray Vaughn. Dick's playlist: Life Without You, Wall of Denial, Life by
the Drop, Tightrope, Couldn't Stand the Weather, Willie the Wimp.
Dick was a member of the Loyal Riders Motorcycle Club and
owner/operator of Dirty Dick’s Daycare and Detention Center.
Dick is survived by his ex-wife, Cathy Beehler (Jacques), son,
Jacob (Samantha) Bennett; grandchildren, Marcella, Kaden, and Madilyn Bennett;
brothers, John, Fritz, and his many nieces and nephews; bonus children, Tara
Quesnell, and Ian Darlington; special friends, Teri Hurd, Cathy Litrenta, and Sir
Taz William Bennett.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Claudette
Wheeler.
A private celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be directed to the PTSD Foundation of
America at ptsdusa.org or Vietnam
Veterans of America at vva.org.
Please share
condolences and memories with the Bennett family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:
Jake and family. We were deeply saddened to hear of your dad's passing. He was a dear friend to us. We enjoyed many days of coffee drinking, cards, chats about changing the world and sharing many meals and deserts together. He loved his sweats! We miss him dearly and he will be fondly remembered in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteKevin, Marna, Caleb and Angus.
To the family of Mr Bennett, I'm so sorry for your loss, I remember when the troops were leaving Vietnam and coming home, I also had family that were injured there,also no help they needed. Very thankful for Mr.Bennett for his time and service
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