FRANK BENNETT III

ALTON — In the morning glory of Feb. 4, our dad and husband left us to be with the Lord, after a very short illness. Frank James Bennett III was born August 17, 1940, in Alton, Illinois, son of the late Frank Bennett Jr, and Lula Mae Gilchrist.

In 1960, he met his soul-mate and sweetheart, Willa Davis. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage; she survives. They are the proud parents of four sons, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Frank graduated from Alton Senior High in 1959, and attended SID. He was always a Lutheran, first with Beren Lutheran Church, then Trinity, and then with Shepherd of the Desert, in Sun City. Frank worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri, for 10 years; was CEO and owner of a men's shop in Alton; served as an alderman in Alton; worked at the Alton Housing Authority; and sold real estate on the side. Frank was an avid golfer for over 40 years until his neuropathy took over. He retired from Illinois Dept. of Corrections in 2003, and moved with Willa to Sun City, Arizona. He was very active in his community: a member of the 100 Black Men of Alton; volunteered at Boswell Hospital; took meals to shut-ins; and gave communion to the homebound.

He was always ready to help in any way he could. His fraternity, Dunbar Lodge, held a special place in his heart. Frank and Willa joined Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in 2003, where he was still a member. Frank was preceded in death by two brothers. He is survived by one sister, Diane Burnett, four sons: Deryck (Geanne) Bennett, Marcus (Katrina) Bennett, Michael and Corey Bennett; three uncles, one aunt, a host of nieces, cousins and good friends.

Celebration of life service will convene Friday, May 20, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

Pastor Tommy C. Covington will officiate. Interment will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery. Guest registry and condolences are available at: http://www.harrisonfuneralchapel.com/.

Funeral Home

Harrison Funeral Chapel - Alton
1924 Central Ave.  Alton, IL 62002
(618) 465-5800

Published in The Telegraph from May 15 to May 16, 2016