Monday, May 22, 2023

Tony Lee Bennett

Jan. 3, 1960 - May 22, 2023

McCOOK, Neb. - Tony Lee Bennett, age 63, of McCook, Neb. passed away on Mon., May 22, 2023 at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Neb. after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Tony was born Jan. 3, 1960 in Kearney to parents Harold and Patty (McMahan) Bennett.

As the second youngest in a family of 8, Tony developed his charming personality at a young age always bringing joy and laughter wherever he went. He spent most of his early childhood in Imperial, Neb. before the Bennett family moved to McCook in 1971.

Tony developed a love for sports young when he became an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, sneaking into his father’s car to listen to the games on the radio as a kid. He also personally excelled in athletics, competing in basketball and football for the Bison. Tony graduated from McCook Senior High with the Class of 1978.

On Jan. 6, 1979, Tony married the love of his life, Sharon (Woodruff) Bennett in McCook. Tony and Sharon have an everlasting love and were blessed to celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary earlier this year. The couple made their home in McCook with their two children, Nate and Amanda. He enjoyed camping, fishing and was always the biggest supporter of his children and grandchildren in all their activities and sporting events. Some of Tony’s proudest moments came from being a husband, father, and grandfather.

Tony was a kindhearted and generous soul to family, friends, and strangers. He deeply valued his family and would always put himself second to those he loved. Tony found strength and comfort in his faith attending the Evangelical Free Church where he was an active Life Team member.

At the time of his death, Tony worked as an area manager for Van Diest where he had been employed for over 20 years.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Harold Bennett; mother-in-law Nina Woodruff; father-in-law Bob Woodruff; brother Tim Bennett and brother-in-law Pete Burger.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Sharon Bennett of McCook; son Nate and wife Heather Bennett and their daughter, Ella, of Kearney; daughter Amanda Bennett and her son, Asher, of McCook; mother, Patty Bennett of McCook; sister, Daylene Bennett of Estes Park, Colo.; brothers, Tom (Jody) Bennett of Winter Haven, Fla., Terry (Tammy) Bennett of Estes Park, Colo. and Todd (Julie) Bennett of Grand Island, Neb.; sister-in-law Terri Smith of Lakeland Fla.; brother-in-law David (Deann) of Chandler, Ariz.; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sat., May 27, 2023 at the Evangelical Free Church in McCook with Pastor Jeff Donelan officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested in Tony’s name for future designation and may be directed to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o the Bennett Family, PO Box 476, McCook, NE 69001.