Joseph W. Bennett, Sr., 68, of rural Green Ridge, Mo., died Thursday, April 7, 2011, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Mo.

He was born November 25, 1942, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the son of Charles Herbert Bennett, Sr., and Miriam Jean (McCloskey) Bennett. On May 5, 1979, in Chatham, Massachusetts, he married Catherine Ann “Cathy” Newhouse, who survives of the home.

Mr. Bennett was a radar repairman for the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1982, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. After his retirement from the service, he had a passion for teaching and was an electronics instructor and agricultural and shop substitute teacher for some time. He enjoyed many activities including hunting, farming, working in his shop, four wheeling, jet skiing, sailing, skiing, scuba diving, going to the coffee shop, working with computers, and building and flying radio controlled airplanes. He loved playing with his grandchildren and was always willing to help anybody who needed it. He was a member of the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Windsor, Mo.

In addition to his wife, Cathy, he is survived by 3 sons, Joe Bennett, Jr., Canadys, South Carolina; Jim Bennett, Ravenel, South Carolina; Mike Bennett, Skiatook, Oklahoma; 7 grandchildren, John, Lisa, Parker, Cole, Kelton, Michael, Jr., and Tristen; a brother, Charles Bennett, Edison, New Jersey; 2 nieces, Cheryl and Susan; and 4 great-nieces and a great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 11, 2011, at the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Windsor, with Father, Phil Egan, Celebrant. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday afternoon, April 10, at the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor.