Clarence Andrew “Andy” Bennett, 76, of Rogers passed peacefully from this life at Circle of Life Hospice on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.
Andy was born to Alvin T. Bennett and Alice Marie Clark Bennett on Dec. 7, 1946, in their home in Southwest City, Mo. He was the second of five children. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Spec 5, specializing in morse code at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1966-68. He returned home to marry the love of his life, Diane Renee Presley in the Assembly of God Church in Gravette on Aug. 8, 1969. Together they had three children, Alice Renee Walker (Rande) of Springdale, Steven Andrew Bennett (Amy) of Xenia, Ohio, and Diandra Leigh Sharpe (Jeff) of Lowell.
Andy worked for 25 years as an MOA adjuster at First Brands in Rogers, as well as operating a 160-acre farm, where he raised Limousin cattle and had a large broiler chicken operation. He retired in 2001 from First Brands but continued on the farm until December 2004. He and Diane moved to Rogers in 2017. Andy was a real “MacGyver” who could figure out, build or fix anything, as well as “farmerize” anything family or friends brought him.
In addition to his wife of 54 years and their three children, Andy is survived by seven grandchildren, Christopher (Brianna), Ethan, Daniel, Alice, Grace, Emily and Jax; as well as two great-grandchildren, Blakely and Rylin. He is also survived by three siblings, Ray Bennett (Gwen) of Anderson, Mo.; Jim Bennett of Xenia; and Nancy Abercrombie (Tommy) of Noel, Mo.; plus a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and an aunt, Ruby Burnham of Joplin, Mo.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Alvin T. Bennett Jr. and wife Carolyn; formerly of Noel; and his in-laws, Mack H. and Elsie Presley of Gravette.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Harbor of Praise Church, 8543 W. McNelly Road, Bentonville, where Andy was a faithful member. Full military honors will follow at Lee Cemetery on Beaty Road in Sulphur Springs.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Harbor of Praise Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 N.E. Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, AR 72712.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory.
Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.
