Paul Derrell Bennett

Paul Derrell Bennett, 80, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Monday, December 12, 2022, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia. He was born on February 13, 1942, in San Francisco, CA, the son of Frederick Bennett and Gloria (Hope) Bennett, who preceded him in death.

On February 25, 1977, in Augsburg, Germany, he was united in marriage to Judith Lynn Strunk, who resides in the home.

Paul was a 1960 graduate of Sacred Heart High School. He served his country honorably in the United States Army for 25 years during the Vietnam War, where he was a morse code interceptor. Paul spent 13 of his 25 years overseas. Paul attended college at Maryland University. After his retirement, Paul dedicated his service to the American Legion, where he was a Department Historian for 18 years and became National Historian. He was assigned to the Children and Youth Committee due to his dedication to children and the programs. Paul enjoyed attending social gatherings and didn't know a stranger. Paul especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.

In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by three children, Garritt Bennett (Sonia) of Ft. Worth, TX, Jennifer Loveland (Chris) of Sedalia, and Crystal Vasquez, of Sedalia; nine grandchildren, Korri, McKenzie, Kaylee, Eowyn, David, Andrew, Jazmyn, Gabriel, and Nikolas; two sisters, Jeannie Escober (Bill) of Joplin, MO and Kathy Fabila (Rodrigo) of Virginia Beach, VA; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by a sister, Lori Perron.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2022, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Jeff Leeman officiating. The United States Army will conduct full military honors.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the chapel.

Internment will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Honorary bearers will be Ty Magnuson, Jane Stewart, Gabriel Menendez, Ryan Haines, Chris Loveland, Garritt Bennett, David Loveland, Andrew Loveland, and Charles Gray.

Family and friends may make memorial contributions to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306, or the Sedalia American Legion Post #642 in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

The family would like to thank the staff at E.W. Thompson and Bothwell Regional Health Center for their excellent care during Paul's illness.