Joshua Bennett, Jr.

Joshua Marsden Bennett, Jr., Ben, was a loving and caring father, who throughout his life strove to be the best father, husband and friend possible. He was a meticulous perfectionist with a strong devotion to the principles of both hard work and a devoted faith. Ben realized that true joy in life comes not from material possessions but from the lifelong friends and loving family that surround you.

As the United States was celebrating a time of temporary peace and prosperity between the two world wars, Joshua and Margaret Bennett were joyfully anticipating the birth of their second child. Joshua Jr., who later became known as Ben, was born to them on December 6, 1923. Ben was the middle child and only brother to his sisters, Anne and Marilyn. They grew up on Kentucky Street on the east side of Detroit. Ben's parents were strict Catholics and therefore enrolled him in Catholic Central High where he graduated in 1941. His sister, Marilyn, was born with severe handicaps which led to her requiring to be cared for by trained caregivers within special facilities. The family would always visit with Marilyn and take her out for lunch and cookouts until she passed away in adulthood.

Growing up, Ben loved the time he spent with his family at their cottage on Lake Huron. He looked forward to the many fishing trips that he and his father went on in the early mornings at the cottage. Because they arose so early, father and son went to sleep together so they could wake up together and not disturb the household. One unforgettable Father's Day morning, when Ben was a young man, his dad did not awake.

After graduating high school, Ben spent some time loading and unloading box cars for the railroad before enlisting in the Navy in 1942. The Navy gave him the opportunity to take college courses all over the country. He attended the University of Illinois for engineering, Illinois State University, Mid-Shipman's School in New Jersey and Columbia University in New York until he was commissioned as an Ensign at the Small Craft Training Center in Florida. After training, he was sent to the pacific theater where army and navy officers were stationed between our allies and Japan during World War II. Ben did a lot of traveling while in the tropic islands and Hawaii was his favorite. Although he never saw much action over there, he did have a torpedo shoot beneath his boat, missing them. Ben was rewarded with well deserved medals for his participation in the war and he was always very proud of his service to our country.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, Ben enrolled at the University of Detroit where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. The boys from U of D often got together with the girls of Mercy College and hung out at the Toby Club. Ben was no exception, and while hanging out at the Toby Club he met Margaret Gellenbeck, a Mercy girl. The two college kids dated for two years before tying the knot on January 20, 1951. On January 18, 1952, almost a year to the day, Margaret and Ben welcomed their first child, John, into the world. Within the next five years John was joined by his siblings, Paul, Mary, Carol, and Jeanne. Margaret and Ben caught their breath for the next five years before adding their last two children, Joe and Helen to complete their family of seven kids.

Ben and Margaret had a traditional home, with Ben being the provider, decision maker and strict disciplinarian. Margaret stayed home to raise their large family while Ben put in many long hours, often over-time hours, at General Motors where he worked until retiring in 1978. Although Ben raised his children with a firm hand, they knew he did so out of love, and it was because of his example that they grew up to be dedicated to their families, strong in their faith and hard working, responsible adults.

Having grown up during the depression, Ben was very careful with money. His hobbies included fishing, boating, sailing and camping. He often took time to gather up the kids and take them out with the camper and additional tents to enjoy the beauty of nature. Ben also enjoyed following sports, mainly hockey and football, and especially college football. Being actively involved in church was important to Ben as well. He was not the kind of person to ask to be included in things, but if he was asked, he would always be there for anyone.

Ben loved to hang out with his old gang from the U of D and they remained close for many years. His greatest time spent, however, was in the presence of his family. Special events and holidays were always shared, and it was evident in how Ben lived his life that his family and his wife always came first. After retirement he and Margaret took time to travel throughout the United States as well as Canada. He was fortunate to also take a trip back to Hawaii were he again enjoyed the beauty of the island tropics. Traveling was great, but Ben was content to be at home, too. He enjoyed his time being available to visit with his seven wonderful children and fifteen amazing grandchildren.

Ben was a dignified gentleman with a clear sense of right and wrong, which he shared by boldly expressing his strong opinions. He was also a loving, dedicated family man who lived to serve his country, church, friends and family with a humble heart. Ben will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his friends and family.

Joshua Marsden Bennett, Jr., age 81, died June 18, 2005. His family includes his wife, Margaret, children, John (Chris), Paul (Val), Mary (Hank) Rheume, Carol (Mike) Gilbert, Jeanne (Dennis) Conley, Joe (Cathy) and Helen (Steve) Sandelands, and fifteen grandchildren. To learn more about Ben's life, friends may visit with his family on Tuesday from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., with a scripture service at 7:00p.m. at the McCabe Funeral Home 31950 W. 12 Mile Road. The funeral will be held on Wednesday at St. Colman Catholic Church, Farmington Hills, in-state at 9:30a.m. and Mass at 10:00a.m.

Please visit Ben's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a memory, order flowers on-line, or make a memorial contribution. Memorials may be made to Autism Society of America-Oakland County Chapter, 3961 Morgan Rd., Orion Township, MI 48359.