Mr. Bennett attended Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia. He received his bachelor’s in Mining Engineering. He was the president of Peabody Coal – Illinois Division, before his retirement.
He was preceded in death by a son, William Matthew Bennett; a grandson, Zach A. Melvin; a great-grandson, Mason A. Schmittling; and his parents, Matthew and Martha, nee Synder, Bennett.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara E. Bennett, nee Weese, whom he married on June 2, 1950;
a son, Robert C. (Marilyn) Bennett;
two grandchildren, Barbara E.J. Bennett, and Chasidy D. Braunseis;
and four great-grandchildren Madeline E. Wasserzieher, Andrew C. Williams, Olivia R. Williams, and Gracie E. Williams.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Cremation was held and private burial will be in Elkins, West Virginia.