Wayne Bennett

Eskridge-Wayne W. Bennett, passed away July 16, 2010 in Springfield Oregon, while attending an annual family reunion. He was a long time resident of Eskridge. Wayne was born August 29, 1925 at Admire, Kansas to John and Maude Bennett. He was married to Ann (Nan) Mitchell August 16, 1952 in Kearny New Jersey, and they had three children. Wayne was preceded in death by his father, John in 1932, his mother, Maude in 1980, his spouse, Nan in Sept. 1989, his son in law, Steven Bohn in 1999 as well as five brothers and two sisters Survivors include his children: Nancy A. Bennett Bohn, Topeka, Wayne G. Bennett, Eskridge and John H. Bennett Eskridge; his daughter-in- law, Jeannie Bennett, Eskridge; three grandchildren, Michael Bohn, Eskridge, Cherri Lea Bennett, Rossville and Starrina Bennett Eskridge; three great-grandchildren, Draven Bennett, Rossville, Adriyanna Roduner, Rossville, and Natalie Pletcher, Eskridge along with numerous Nieces and Nephews. Wayne was a lifetime member of the Local 101 Operating Engineers Union, and worked construction most of his life. He enlisted in the US Navy on October 8, 1942 and served active duty during W.W. II, and Korean War earning the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He discharged honorably September 28, 1954 with a Rank of 3rd Class Petty Officer. He was also a member of the Merchant Marines between W.W. II and the Korean War. After retiring from construction, Wayne owned and operated “The Shop” and “Funny Footwear” in Eskridge constructing hand made Clown shoes distributing them directly to area and Shrine Circus Clowns and on consignment through Kansas City Costume Company. In addition to shoes he built props and sets for Kansas City Costume to include Swope Park Zoo in Kansas City and the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Wayne was an accomplished carpenter building furniture and toys for friends and family. He also performed as a clown in local parades and events and was a member of Clowns of America. Memorial Services will be held at the Eskridge Methodist Church in Eskridge on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. Private Inurnment will be in the Eskridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eskridge Library and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St. St. Marys, KS. 66536.

Wayne Bennett

August 29, 1925 - July 16, 2010