Harlan White Bennett, 93, passed away Jan. 12, 2024, at Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville, Maryland.
He was born Sept. 30, 1930, in Circleville to the late Curtis and Alpha (Sponaugle) Bennett.
Mr. Bennett enlisted in the United States Army on Dec. 9, 1952. His travels took him to many countries that he loved. He received the Nation Defense Service Medal, the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and the Good Conduct Medal.
He worked for the Montgomery County Department of Highway Services and retired in 1996. He and his wife became snowbirds and would go to Florida every winter and return in the spring. They loved this and continued until his wife’s passing on Nov. 30, 2009.
He was a faithful member of the Walnut Street United Methodist Church. He was a man of God and would always quote the Bible to anyone that would listen to him.
Mr. Bennett’s faith and family were his life. He loved West Virginia, which was always his home, even though he resided in Maryland. He built a home in West Virginia which he frequented every chance he had. He loved being outside and building things. He had such a knowledge of everything, which was so amazing.
On Jan. 3, 1955, he married the love of his life, Opal Darlene “Darlene” McCoy, who preceded him in death. They made several moves during their marriage. They left Franklin and moved to Canton, Ohio, where their first child, Steven Bennett, was born. Later they returned to Franklin, where their second child, Michael Dale Bennett, was born. They then relocated to Maryland, where they remained.
Surviving are two sons, Steven Bennett (Debbie) and Michael Dale Bennett (Cheryl Walker) of Damascus, Maryland; two grandchildren, Steven Kyle Bennett (Tess) and Jaime McDonald (Colin) of Monrovia, Maryland; two great-grandchildren, Keagan Timothy McDonald and Brendan Rory McDonald; a sister, Judy Stout (Dywayne) of Franklin; a sister-in-law, Nancy Bennett of Sugar Grove; an aunt, Idelta (Sponaugle) Lambert of Circleville; and many nieces and nephews
He was also preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Kylee June Bennett; a sister, Delane Etta Bennett; brothers, Paul, Raymond, Hartsel, Guy and Richard; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until noon Saturday at the Walnut Street United Methodist Church in Franklin, where a funeral service will begin at noon with Pastor Michael Loudermilk officiating. Interment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery at Franklin. A reception will follow at the Walnut Street United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Walnut Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 638, Franklin, WV 26807.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin.
