William Emerson Bennett , 81, of Churubusco, died peacefully in the company of family at his home at 10:17 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

Born on February 20, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he grew up in Fort Wayne, completing Lutheran Elementary School and attending Concordia High School.

Inducted into the U.S. Army on December 8, 1964, he served in Europe as a Radio Operator.  While training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he earned a GED.  He was honorably discharged from active duty on November 21, 1966.   He served with the U.S. Army Reserves until December 7, 1970.

On November 16, 1968, he was united in marriage to Karen Sue Barcus.  They made their home in Fort Wayne from 1968 until 1974, then moved to their current home in Churubusco.

In 1963, he joined International Harvester, Fort Wayne, as an assembler and repairman on the Scout line.  He retired in 1982 when the factory was closed.  Using his earned skills, he started his own company, Bennett Heating, installing and repairing heating systems.  Gaining an Emergency Medical Technician certification, he became a valued member of Whitley County EMS, Churubusco Medic 21, in 1982.  He became an Advanced EMT working with the service until 2015.

He enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife.  As a retiree of International Harvester, he attended the IH Scout gatherings and participated in efforts to establish a local museum.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Karen; a son, Roger (Ginnie) Bennett of Churubusco; grandchildren, Braxton Bennett and Raigen Bennett; and a sister, Barbara Gill of Ranchester, WY.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Christina Bennett.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 24th, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  The funeral service is at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 25th, at the funeral home.  Burial is at Riverview Cemetery in Churubusco.

Memorials in Bill's honor are to the Churubusco Elementary Archery Club.