Richard C. Bennett, 86, of Fort Wayne, and formerly of Seneca, S.C., passed away at 10:48 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 at The Hearth at Sycamore Village, Fort Wayne.

Born Feb. 16, 1930 in Lakewood, Ohio, he was the son of Charles and Pauline (Bodenlo) Bennett.

Dick graduated from Lakewood High School in Ohio with the Class of 1948. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology at Bowling Green State University. He then joined the U.S. Army. While serving, he met the woman of his dreams and would marry Sara Tenaglia on Sept. 1, 1956. After being honorably discharged, he worked for U.S. Steel until 1983 and then became a consultant. In 1985 he and Sara moved to Tampico, Ill. where he worked for Northwestern Steel and Wire before retiring in 1996. After retirement, they moved to Seneca, S.C. and he became a Master Gardener from Clemson University.

Survivors include his sons, Bill (Lisa) Bennett of Columbia City; and Bob (Kris) Bennett of Ashland, Ohio; brother-in-law, Ken Russell of Rocky River, Ohio; sisters-in-law: Roberta Bennett of Anderson; Margie Poepoe of Union, N.J.; Gloria Samartino of Piscataway, N.J.; and Cecile (Dan) Surman of Hackensack, N.J.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sara Bennett on Aug. 14, 2016; daughter, Nancy Bennett in 2006; brother, Robert Bennett; and sister, Caroline Russell.

Friends may call from 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will follow at 3:30 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be given in memory to Heifer International.