Robert Dean Bennett

Robert Dean Bennett, returned to the arms of his Father in Heaven, and his Savior Jesus Christ, as well as many loved ones on January 31, 2024.  After dealing with heart issues he passed away at his home in Sandy, Utah. He was born on March 5, 1937 in Logan.  He is the son of James Robert Bennett and Ruby Olean Earley.  

Bob was a farm boy through and through, starting when he lived on the family farm in Mapleton.   There he learned what hard work was under the guidance and close eye of his Grandpa Bennett.  He loved the farm and was kept busy, especially as the oldest of 9 children.  The memories of this time would carry him throughout his life.

Bob lived most of his life in Logan, Springville, Mapleton, Farmington, and throughout the Salt Lake Valley in Utah.  Whether he was spending time in the mountains, going to a theatre production, or even going to Lagoon, he loved the state where he lived.  When the Olympics came, you couldn’t find anyone more excited than Bob.

Bob loved his family.   He married Gloria Jean Clark in 1961 and they had 3 children together: Debbie, Robbie and Richard, later divorced.  He then married Linda Maree Hight in 1976 and had 3 more children: Bobbi, Ben and Christina, later divorced.  He married Linda Lee Hendricks in 1990, she was his sweetheart and they were together for 20 years until her passing in 2010.   Through these relationships Bob gained 5 stepchildren who he loved like his own.

Bob wanted to serve his country like his father and so he enlisted into the Utah National Guard in 1955.   He was awarded the US Carbine 30-M1 Marksman and the Carbine Sharpshooter Badge during his Training Encampment Session.  He was on Active Duty in 1961, during the Berlin Crisis as a Combat Engineer.  He and his brother -in- law Jack Tripp were about to ship out when the crisis got settled.

Bob was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints.  His testimony of the Savior meant everything to him, and he wanted to serve the Lord when and wherever he could.  He served a fulltime mission to the Western States and would later also serve several service missions including being a Stake Missionary at the Lagoon Campground and Cherry Hill.  Also, as a host at Temple Square and the Conference Center for 8 years. He had many callings, some of his favorites were working in scouting and teaching Sunday School. Bob was a great example of how to honor your priesthood and he was a true disciple of the lord.   

Bob was a hard worker.   After years of helping on the farm, his first job was setting up the pins at the bowling alley for .25 cents a rack.   In 1956, Bob worked in landscaping. He would install lawns, shrubs, trees, sprinkler systems and planted and pruned fruit trees.  Then, in 1961 Bob got a job with Channel 4 as a cameraman. Being interested in the new technology, he transferred to the 1st station to have color television, which was KSL.  He held several different positions from camera man, to television floor manager, to film editor, to video tape operator.  Bob stayed with KSL until he retired in 2002 after 36 years.

After retiring from KSL, Bob took a job working on the football fields at the University of Utah until the athletic department took over those responsibilities.  He then moved to take care of the Women Softball and Soccer fields.  He was very well liked by his peers and the players would often thank him and tell him how well maintained their fields looked.

He took great pride knowing he helped the University’s Sports Teams.  He was also a ticket taker up at the U for their sporting events.   One of the perks of this job was that he got to take his sons to the games to stand on the sidelines.  Bob also worked for Sandy City, maintaining their ball parks.  At the age of 80, Bob retired completely, but even after he still liked to take drives to see how the ball fields were looking.

Bob loved Sports!   Whether it was baseball, soccer, softball, bowling, basketball, horseshoes, frisbee, or especially golf-Bob was there, ready to play.  He never said no to rounds of golf with his sons. He was fiercely competitive, often playing on bowling and golf leagues.  He taught his children to play sports and would coach them.  At any family reunion, you could find Bob playing horseshoes with his father and uncle.  Then, at any point he would open his trunk and have an array of equipment for any type of sport.  

Bob’s greatest thrill was playing in the Senior Games!  He played softball from the time he was 65 into his 80s.  He played outfield and he was also a designated runner for those at bat not able to run. It showed his agility and athleticism at his age, and boy was he fast.  Every October he would go with his team down to St. George to compete in the Senior Games.   He won several bronze, silver and gold medals in softball and horseshoes. Sports was his favorite pastime of all!

Preceded in Death by his wife Linda Lee Bennett, his parents Robert and Ruby Bennett, his brothers Lloyd and Jack, his sister Robin Fite, his son Cliff and 2 grandsons, Michael and Adam.

Survived by his sons Robbie (Carreen), Richard (Alison), Chris (Emily), Ben, and Ace (Debra); his daughters Debbie, Bobbi, Christina (Trever), Leighann (Scott), Kara (Keith).  His brothers Gary, Bert, Calvin and Ken; his sisters Beverly Tripp and Sherry Steed; 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.  Also many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral Services:

Evening Viewing-Friday, February 9, 2024 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary and Cemetery   6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Ut

Morning Viewing/Funeral Service-Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Church Building 586 East 8400 South Sandy, Ut  Viewing will be from 9-9:45 AM, followed by Funeral at 10:00-11:00 AM.

Interment at the Logan City Cemetery 1000 North 1200 East Logan, Utah 2:00-2:30 PM