Donald James Bennett, 102, of Harmar Place, Marietta, Ohio, formerly of Harriettsville, Ohio since 1953, departed for heaven on Monday morning at 8:25 a.m. He died peaceably with his wife, Mabel, at his side. He was born in Cambridge, Ohio, June 13, 1922, the son of the late Lee and Blanche Whissel Bennett.
 He is preceded in death by one daughter, Linda (Don, deceased) Warner, and survived in addition to his wife Mabel by three daughters, Sherry Shively (and friend Charlie), Judy (Bob) Parks, and Dawn (Dave) Michael. He has five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
 Don loved and was devoted to his wife and family. Don spent his childhood in Cambridge and after completing the 10th grade he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was sent to Idaho to build roads. He sent his earnings back to support his family. At the beginning of WWII he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in the South Pacific having some very close calls in battles. He served in Japan when the peace treaty was signed, returning home later.
 Don returned to work at Burger Manufacturing in Canton, Ohio. Next, he worked as a brakeman with Pennsylvania Railroad. During that time, he met Mabel and they were married in 1947. In 1953, they bought the store in Harriettsville and raised their family there. Mabel ran the store and Don went to work at Airolite Company in Marietta, retiring after 33 years. Don was instrumental in the installation of electric street lighting of Harriettsville. He started the local softball team and building of the playing field. He also served on the school board for several years.
 Don was an avid golfer, but his passion was the church. He served as deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years at Road Fork Baptist Church and even filled the pulpit as needed. He was concerned for the salvation of others, remained active in visitation and outreach until his age prevented him to continue. Later, Don and Mabel joined Twin Rivers Baptist Church where Don loved greeting people and visiting the nursery full of children.
 The family will receive friends for visitation Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Twin Rivers Baptist Church, 110 DAV Road, Whipple, OH 45788. A Funeral Service will conclude visitation Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 12 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Baumer officiating. Burial will follow in Road Fork Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside honors conducted by Noble County Veteran Service Organizations. Chandler Funeral Home, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724 , has been entrusted to care for the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to Twin Rivers Baptist Church Building Fund, 110 DAV Road, Whipple, OH 45788. Please join us in remembering Don by visiting his memorial at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net.