Sept.
26, 1947 - Feb. 13, 2011SOUTH BEND - Wesley H. "Fred" Bennett, 63, began his journey on earth on Sept. 26, 1947, in South Bend, IN. It ended on Feb. 13, 2011, in Chandler, AZ, when the angels carried him home. Wes was born to the union of Lester and Fay Bennett, who preceded him in death, along with an infant son, Wesley Derwood Bennett. Wes grew up in South Bend and attended John Adams High School. He joined the United Stated Marine Corps in 1965, and proudly served his country in Vietnam. In 1978 he married the former Darlene Lennox, and they resided for many happy years in Edwardsburg, MI. In 2005, he moved to Chandler, AZ. Wes was very active in the American Legion. He served as the junior vice commander at Post 35 in Chandler. At the time of his death, he was a member of American Legion Post 91, also in Chandler. Wes made many friends while living in AZ. There are a special few whom his family would like to thank as they were invaluable during his final illness. We love you: Bob Jordan, Cookie Money, and Barry Seaman. Wes loved NASCAR races, fishing, and golfing. He was most happy when surrounded by his friends and family, particularly his grandchildren. He loved to spoil them rotten and then "send them home." Wes is survived by his wife of 33 years, Darlene; his three sisters, Kathy, Paula and Dorothy; his children of the heart, Jeffrey Hans and Jessica (Jason) Ryan. He will also be forever missed by his many grandchildren, Kayla and Haylee Hans, Trey and Andrew Bennett, Isaac, Jonah and Gabriel Hans, Alyssa Colpitts, Jasmyn Ryan, Madison Rock Ryan and Mason Endsley. A memorial service was held in Chandler, AZ, and another will be held in Edwardsburg, MI, on April 30th at 1 p.m. in the Edwardsburg American Legion. Burial of his remains will take place at 4 p.m. at the Adamsville Cemetery. All who loved Wesley are welcome to attend, to join his family in their final remembrance of this great yet humble man.