Paul M. Bennett, Jr.'s Obituary
Paul Bennett passed away at the age of 92 in the early morning hours of September 20, 2017. He was a willing friend, a steadfast husband, a loving father, an engineer’s engineer and a never-give-up sports fan. He was a believer with a forgiving spirit, a brave soul, and a true heart.Just the day before he passed he was asked how he was doing. He said, “I’m fighting for my life.” He fought because he loved life so much. Yet more and more, he felt the close presence of Mavis, his wife of 63 years. He passed at the moment a prayer was being said over him and now we hope and pray that Paul and Mavis are together again. His life will be celebrated on Friday, October 6 at 3:00 pm at The Point at C.C. Young,4847 West Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas. Paul was born on April 8, 1925 in Springfield, Missouri. He is survived by his daughter, Paula Bennett who loved him dearly — and by a circle of wonderful friends. As a young man, he had an adventurous spirit. He took two part-time jobs to to work his way through Missouri School of Mines in Rolla (now University of Missouri) earning his degree and becoming a petroleum engineer. He began his career with major oil companies such as Atlantic Richfield and Kerr McGee. He traveled the world for decades working on the largest oil fields in Iran, Egypt, South America and Canada. He made many lifelong friends from Tehran and Cairo to Buenos Aires and London. At 61 years of age, he founded Paul M. Bennett Petroleum Consultants where he treated his clients, such as New England Energy, as true friends too. He retired at the age of 75 and then took on the most heroic role of his life as caregiver to his wife Mavis who suffered from Alzheimer’s. He watched over her with unfailing tenderness and an unwavering commitment for 13 years. He said she had taken care of him for the first 50 years of their marriage and now it was his turn. He fulfilled every vow. After she passed away he moved to C.C. Young Assisted Living where he created a vibrant new life. He was loved by residents as well as the wonderful staff in assisted living to whom he was so grateful. He was interested in everyone and everything in the community and took part in many activities including The Mockingbird Music Makers. The family is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love for him. One of the aides who cared so well for him said it best, “He’s my father too.” Paul inspired devotion. He was and is our strong and tender Paul. And we thank God for him. In lieu of flowers the family would like for donations to be made to the C.C. Young Employee Appreciation Fund and Northridge Presbyterian Church, Dallas Texas.Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Sunday, October 1, 2017, at Restland Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 12:30 pm, Monday, October 2, 2017, at the Restland Whispering Waters Mausoleum.
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