Richard F. Bennett, age 74, of Ozark passed away Friday, May 16, 2014, in Mercy Hospital in Springfield. He was born November 25, 1939, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Frank and Hilda Bennett. As a young man, he served his country as a courier officer in the U.S. Army. In 1967, he married Claudette Olson who passed away July 4th, 1969. On April 30, 1971, he and Glenda Thomas were united in marriage.
Dick and Glenda spent many years in Tucson, Arizona, raising their family where Dick served as a pastor. When he moved his family to Springfield in 1979, he started working in furniture sales, as he had grown up in the furniture business in Illinois. He bought Wheelers Furniture in 1985 and thoroughly enjoyed running his business, working with his staff and providing vision and leadership until his death. Dick always used the platform of his business success to share the hope of Jesus Christ with others and his love for God and generosity was seen by all who knew him. He was greatly loved by his family, his staff and many, many friends.
Survivors include: his wife, Glenda; a son, Gregg and wife Karen of Westlake Village, California; two daughters, Becky Lindell and husband David of Ozark and Kim Robilotto and husband Jon of New York City; six grandchildren, Judah and Mia Bennett; Owen, Elliot and Henley Lindell; Riley Robilotto; two brothers, Mac Bennett and Don Bennett and wife Ruth; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Claudette and sister-in-law, Margaret.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 21, at James River Church in Ozark. Burial with military honors will precede that at 9:00 A.M. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 20, at Greenlawn East Funeral Home, Springfield. Because of Dick and Glenda’s heart for giving and experience investing in water wells in Africa, the family has made arrangements for donations to be made to WorldServe International, C/O James River Church 6100 North 19th Street Ozark, Missouri 65721.