Long time Sandy resident Tom Bennett died peacefully, surrounded by his family Sunday May 7, 2017 at the age of 83.
Visitation will be held at Sandy Funeral Home Friday, May 12, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Sandy Assembly of God Church Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. His Graveside service will take place at Willamette National Cemetery, Monday, May 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.
Thomas Richard Bennett was born October 31, 1933 in Chariton, Iowa to Vada J. (Wheeler) and Jacob Orville Bennett. Tom was 9 years old when his family moved to Boring in 1941. It was there he attended Orient Grade School and then Sandy High School, graduating in 1951. He began what would become his life’s career at Reynolds Aluminum in 1952 with a brief interlude in the Navy for two years. After his honorable discharge he returned to Reynolds Aluminum where he worked a total of 41 years retiring in 1993. Tom married Jean Sheerman August 26, 1960 and in 1963 they moved to Sandy to live in the country and raise their children.
Tom was very involved in several facets of the Sandy Community over the years. He served as deacon for many years at the Sandy Assembly of God Church as well as helping with church maintenance and landscaping. He joined the Sandy Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1972 making Lieutenant in 1975 and then Captain in 1979. Tom retired from active service in 1997, but remained an honorary lifetime member of the department.
Tom and Jean loved to travel the western states in their 5th wheel and made many wonderful memories during those adventures. Tom also liked to golf and hunt, but his greatest pleasure was spending time with family.
Tom is survived by his daughter Deanna (Dean) Bonfoey of Gresham; son Donnie (Kristi) Bennett of Estacada; daughter Jami Weisz of Sandy; brother Jim and sisters Donna, Janet and Sue; 18 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
His family requests contributions be made to the Sandy Assembly of God Foreign Missions Fund.
Sandy Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.