Bethany, MO: Richard Dean Bennett, 77 passed away on January 31, 2025 at the Harrison County Community Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Rich passed peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Rich was born on October 11, 1947 the son of Fredrick & Roberta Bennett in Bethany, Missouri. From there, he met his wife, Janice “Ann” Wright. Rich married Ann in Mt. Moriah, MO on January 20, 1964. Rich and Ann eventually moved to Des Moines, IA where they spent the first several years of their life, before relocating back to the Bethany, MO area to live out the rest of their lives together. Rich and Ann raised five children together: Cherrie Williams (Matt), Christy Bennett, La’Donna Rhoades (Scott), Ricky Bennett (Jeanne) and Danny Wright.
Rich spent his time buying and selling cars, traveling and circle-track racing. Whether Rich was at the station drinking coffee or out on one of his travel adventures, he never knew a stranger. Everyone knew Rich as someone that always lived life to the fullest and that enjoyed every minute of his life. In Rich’s free time, you could usually find him working on cars, telling one of his famous jokes, or spending time with his family. Rich especially loved every moment he spent with his grandkids, and would often let them tag along on his travel adventures.
Rich was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. His greatest joy was his family and always giving them a joke to laugh at.
Rich is survived by his wife, Ann Bennett; 2 daughters, Cherrie Williams (Matt) and Christy Bennett; 2 sons, Ricky Bennett (Jeanne) and Danny Wright; 12 grandchildren, Derek Williams (Cali), Darin Williams (Chandler), Kenzie Williams (Wyatt), Jordan Bennett (Cassie), Megan Bennett (Brandon), Katie Bennett, Anthony Rhoades (Molly), Ashley Rhoades, Alicia Lee (Brady); 6 siblings, multiple great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Roberta Bennett; Daughter, La’Donna Rhoades; grandchildren, Melodie Bennett and Daniel Wright; brother, David Bennett.
Rich will be remembered for his one-of-a-kind personality, his sense of humor, and for living life to the absolute fullest. Rich will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
If you made it this far already, as Rich would say with a grin on his face, “Slow down, you’re moving too fast”.
Family visitation, 1:00 PM, February 7, with funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. at Bethany Memorial Chapel. Burial Ridgeway Cemetery. Tributes may be left at www.bethanymemorialchapel.com.