Gordon Glen Bennett

Gordon Glen Bennett was born November 6, 1942, to Charles and Leone (Buchholz) Bennett in Aitkin, MN. He spent his childhood in Mill Creek, Indiana, Alpena and Wessington, SD and graduated from Alpena High School in 1961.

He met the love of his life Velma Campbell in 1963 at the Coral Bowl in Miller, SD where she worked and he was secretary of a bowling league that he joined. They were married at the St. Lawrence Community Church on June 18, 1964.

Shortly after they married, Gordon and Velma moved to Huron, SD where he worked for Huron Parks and Recreation for 42 years (1964 to 2006). He enjoyed working outdoors and especially growing the yearly flowers for the city’s parks, buildings, and planters. Gordon and his wife started Bennett Daycare in 1974 where he enjoyed being home for daily lunches and being “Papa” to the kids that grew-up in Velma’s care.

Gordon participated in bowling for many years. He bowled, organized leagues, worked evenings at The Plains bowling lanes, and was tournament director for local and regional competitions. He served in several positions including President in the local Huron Men’s Bowling Association. In his spare time, he also enjoyed helping his wife run State Youth Bowling tournaments, calling bingo for the VFW and American Legion, and traveling to visit family.

Upon retirement in 2006 Gordon and Velma moved to Austin, TX, where they spent happy times with all their grandchildren and great grandchildren. They loved taking travel adventures to Belize, New York, Las Vegas, the Pacific Northwest and coming back to South Dakota to see family and friends. Gordon and his family volunteered at the Reveal Resource Center food pantry.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Velma Bennett; daughter, Audrey (Jac) Cochran; son, Brad (Jennifer Gamber) Bennett; grandchildren, Adam Qualm, Adrienne Brueske, John (Melanie) Cochran, Josselyn (Grant Phillips) Brueske, Milo Bennett; great-grandchildren, Avalon, John Allen V, and Harper; Siblings, Don (Ruth) Bennett of Huron, SD, and Eileen (Kenneth) Hill of Hickory, NC; Sister-in-law, Donna Bennett of Huron, SD; and his many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David Bennett and Eugene Bennett; Sisters, Bonnie Reeser and Charlotte Freese, and nephew Norman Bennett.

A celebration of Gordon’s life will occur in January of 2023 in Austin, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Bennett family.