Ernest Bennett Jr

Rev. Ernest Bennett, Jr. 87, died August 16, 2016. He was born May 19, 1929 at Wayne County, Missouri to the late Rev. Earnest Bennett and Bertha (Clubb) Bennett. Bro. Jr. was an ordained General Baptist Minister of the Hopewell Association, preaching for 59 years, pastoring 7 different churches, recently pastoring the Word of Life Church in Poplar Bluff, which he started 13 years ago. Bro. Jr. and brother Elijah, known as the "Bennett Brothers" have preached hundreds of revivals in the past 59 years. Ernie was a backhoe operator since 1950, running his own company, Bennett Contractor, in St. Louis before moving to the Naylor area in 1980. Bro. Jr. loved people, loved going to church, preaching and reading his Bible. He loved running his backhoe, gardening, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially his "Betty". On February 22, 1957 he was united in marriage to Betty (Hicks) Bennett, who survives. To this union were born 5 daughters who survive, Jeneva (Darrel) Tyler, Neena (Rick) Hicks, Crystal (David) McNeal, Angela (Tom) Barnett and Tina (Joey) Lutes. Two other daughters who survive are Jeanette Stanfill and Kathy (Dan) D'Amore. Fifteen grandchildren also survive. Three brothers, Elijah, Bennett and Paul Ray and two sisters, Rosemary and Bernice also survive. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Ira , Willis, and Bernell; as well as two sisters, Lilly Mae and Rachel. Visitation for Mr. Bennett will be Friday August 19, 2016 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Fowler-Sullivan Memorial Chapel Inc. of Neelyville, Missouri with the Funeral service Saturday August 20, 2016 starting at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Neelyville. Interment will be in the Gum Cemetery with Rev. Hubert Payne officiating, assisted by Rev. Raymond Nelson.