Don Edwin Bennett

Don was the beloved son of Myrtice Nevina Bennett Phillips and Dan E. Bennett, SR (deceased), brother of Dan E. Bennett, JR (deceased), uncle of Shannon A. Bennett and loving friend to many.

Born in Tampa, Florida at McDill Air Force Base and with a father who was in the Air Force, Don spent many of his early years traveling with his family. Destinations included Morocco (1956), Florida (1958), Maine (1959 -1965), Arizona (1965-1967), Massachusetts (1967), Philippines (1967-1969), and then back to Arizona. After a brief time in California, Don returned to Arizona where he had lived for the past 37 years. His work history included being employed in a stock brokerage firm, as an inventory clerk for Washington Inventory Service, as a Sales Manager for Montgomery Wards, as a Sales Associate for Sam Levitz stores, as an Amway representative and a dance teacher.

Don was active in sports, including Little League baseball, bowling and golf. He played the violin for a few years as well and loved to read. He was quite the intellectual and read about many different subjects like world history, science fiction and so much more. Hiking, enjoying nature, watching a beautiful sunset, seeing the moon come up over the Rincon mountains and walking along the Tucson Loop River Path were all things he took time to enjoy with his friends.

Over the years, Don’s passion had been partnership dancing. As a young kid, he also did some tap dancing which sparked his love for dance and music. From his training at Arthur Murray Dance Center, private coaching, and teaching classes at various venues in Tucson, Don had earned the reputation for being one of the favorite dance leads in town. He loved variety and danced most all the Ballroom dances, Latin dances, Country Western and Swing dances. He was always there to greet new dancers while helping them navigate the social dance scene. Don served as a volunteer at many west coast swing dance events and traveled to events across the country when he could. He had been a loyal member of the Tucson Swing Dance Club for many, many years where he served on the board as well. It was not uncommon to see him out dancing most nights of the week and the ladies would look so forward to dancing with him.

His kindness extended far beyond the dance floor. When it came to living a life of service, Don did just that. He quietly went about his days while always being there for his friends and family. If the swing club needed something, he was there, if a friend needed help, he was there. If he could be of help and bring a smile to someone, he was happy. He had a strong love for his mother and extended family and friends which he showed to the very end.

Don always knew his life and this journey was in God’s hands and he was ok with that. He lived it to the fullest, loved all he could, fought to do his best and left a rich legacy. He will be remembered as a man devoted to family, a loyal and loving friend as well as a beautiful, kind and generous dancer who will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service, burial and reception for Don will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 12:30 PM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712. Please arrive by 12:15pm.

Donations can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.

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