Rufus Martin Bennett
February 17, 1932 ~ May 9, 2013
Rufus Martin Bennett, 81, Brooklyn, died peacefully at home on May 9, 2013. Mr. Bennett was born in Indianapolis on February 17, 1932, to the late Rufus and Vivian (Gwinn) Bennett.
He graduated from Union High School and proudly served in the United States Marine Corp. Mr. Bennett worked as a machinist for Western Electric for 34 years, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the NRA, the Martinsville American Legion, the Order of the Arrow, and the Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department. He had been involved with the Boy Scouts of America for 52 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bird watching, making bird houses, and gardening. He will be missed by his loving family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Loreen Bennett.
Survivors include his wife of more than 60 years, Catherine (Zenor) Bennett; children, Mike Bennett (Carol) of Brooklyn, Lisa Powell of Brooklyn, and Tim Bennett (Joy) of Mooresville; brother Gordon Bennett (Sharon) of Martinsville; sister, Mary Messersmith (John) of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Josh, Stephen, Jamie, Danielle, Lauren, Taylor, and Jesse; great grandchildren, Bryce, Ezra, Laythan, Christopher, Mikel, and Hope.
The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, with calling there from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 13, 2013. Burial will be in the Brooklyn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brooklyn Fire Department or to the Brooklyn Scouts. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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I have too many fond memories of Martin to pinpoint one. I enjoyed the many years I hunted with him and all his wisdom that he bestowed on me of the outdoors. I have not respected no other man besides my father more than I have Martin. He will be truly missed. Bill and Valerie Lavender
I have to echo the same opinions as others who had the oppurtunity to know Mr. Bennett, to his family I am truly sorry for your loss, he was extremely dedicated to his family and community. David E. Minardo
Martin was a wonderful man. My husband and I had the pleasure of being his neighbor for about a year and a half. He was a great neighbor. I loved seeing him driving up the road on his tractor and loved it even more when he stopped to chat. My husband and him shared their love for the Corps. We knew he always had our back. Martin and Catherine were not only neighbors, but family friends for a long time. My grandparents (Marvin and Claudette Mason) were all very good friends as well. He touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. I am so glad that we had the chance to be his neighbor. Semper Fi and rest easy.
I will allways remember my scouting days and the influence Martin had on me. He is, in part, the reason I am the man I am today. He taught me to shoot, he taught me to be respectful, he taught me try my hardest no matter what. Godspeed Sir.
Catherine Cannot make it to the viewing but want you to know you and your family are in my heart. With sincere condolences. Linda Parker
Back in 1989, I fired a gun for the first time at Maumee. I was a terrible shot. Needless to say at the end of the week at Summer Camp, he picked on me publically… he issued a patch that weekend. He said that the gun was better for me to use as a mower. I cannot forget that incident…but he was all heart though. Scouting, nor Maumee will never be the same. In closing, I will quote Mr. Bennett…ready on my right, ready on my left….you may load and cominse firing.Going to miss those words.
In memory of a kindred spirit. Your sharing of timeless skills and your wit and humor with generations of Scouts and Scouters will be missed, and never forgotten. We will always cherish the wonderful memories ‘down on the range’ with Martin. We all have a ‘little brown mouse’ in our hearts and minds today. Our tears are gently wiped away by memories of the good times and a fine, fine man! God Bless. Rick, Richard, and Kole Apsley
We want to express our sincere sympathy to you and your family in Martin’s passing. He was a wonderful man who has touched so many of our lives through his scouting endeavors. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed every year as we continue to sing his songs at our campouts and remember his wonderful spirit. May God provide you grace and comfort in the days ahead. In loving memory of Martin, Judy & Buck Mullis, Lyons, IN
I would like to express my sincerest condolences for the loss of Martin. His wit and wisdom will truly be missed. The world was a brighter place with him in it. My prayers are with you and your family. Semper Fi Michael VanHoover
Martin will always be a friend of Scouting. He served all of his positions well and he touched the lives of thousands of youth in the Scouting program. Martin was one of the first Scouters that I met almost 10 years ago and he will live on in my thoughts. – Kevin Trojan
My thoughts and prayers go out to Martin’s family. I first met Martin nearly 25 years ago as a young Scout working on staff at Summer Camp. We were quickly friends and I had a great deal of respect for him, what he stood for, and for what he was teaching the young men around him. I have no doubt I am a better man for knowing Martin Bennett. God bless you Martin and thank you for touching my life and the lives of all your Scouting Friends. Mike Shaffer
I got to thinking of Martin the other day as my daughter is excited about learning to shoot a gun. I was bothered I came across his obituary but happy he lived such an awesome life. He taught me how to shoot many moons ago. We girls called him ‘Grandpa Martin’ as he was always smiling and just loved being around all the kids. I still remember sitting with him in the evenings having an RC cola. It has been 20 years since I’ve been to camp with the Girl Scouts at Camp Maumee. I still have the NRA medal he gave me. He will always be remembered.