John W. Bennett, 76, of Centerview, Missouri, died Thursday, April 19, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Celebration of Life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at First Baptist Church in Centerview with carry-in lunch. Rev. Jim Lee will officiate.

Graveside Services will be 10 a.m. Monday, April 30 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville with Military Honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Memorial Post 5844; Munday-Hancock Post 90, American Legion and United States Navy Honor Guard.

John was born Aug. 12, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri, son of Wayne Dee Bennett and Geneva Iris (Nunn) Bennett. He was raised in Kansas City and he served in the United States Navy. John was married to Barbara J. Grueninger in November of 1962 in Kansas City.

In 1977, the couple moved to Holden, Missouri. On May 6, 1990, he married Carol Jean (McMurtrey) Fitterling in Holden. In August of that year, John retired as a truck driver for the Teamsters. Later, the couple lived in Hermitage, Missouri from 2003 until moving near Centerview in 2009. John was a member of First Baptist Church in Centerview.

He was instrumental in starting Blue Grass in the 60s and 70s in Kansas City. He was a longtime member of Blue Grass Association Band. John also enjoyed fishing, camping and trail riding. He and Carol Jean rode with the Cross Country Trail Riders for 25 years.

John was a volunteer with Johnson County Fire Protection District. He also was an auctioneer with Allen Auctions for several years.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Jean; daughter: Robin (Owen) Mudd of Knob Noster, Missouri; three sons: Dee (Donna) Bennett; Dusty Bennett and James (Sheila) Fitterling; all of Centerview; 10 grandchildren: Janae (Jason) Brant, Josh Bennett, Garth (Kotey) Bennett, Dayton Bennett, Jeremiah Bennett, Austin Fitterling, Collin Fitterling, Jordan Mudd, JoDee Mudd and Jillian Mudd; two great grandchildren: Wyatt Brant and Landry Brant; three brothers: Jim Bennett of Greenwood, Rod Bennett of Lee’s Summitt, Missouri, and Alan Bennett of Cole Camp, Missouri; brother-In-law: Rick Turney of Lee’s Summit; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Kathie Turney and grandson: Justin Bennett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Crossroads Hospice or First Baptist Church in Centerview.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net